A Kingdom Divided
When Joan of Arc was just a teenager, she began to sense that God was calling her to do something unimaginable: lead France in battle during a time of war. She believed with all her heart that this was from the Lord. But to most people, Joan seemed like the wrong choice. She was young, poor, untrained, and a girl. Some saw her as strange. Others thought she was dangerous. Eventually, religious leaders accused her of heresy, and she was put to death. But years later, those same leaders would reverse their judgment, recognizing that Joan had been telling the truth. God was at work, even when people couldn’t see it.
Mark 3:20–30
Jesus had been healing people, casting out demons, and teaching with unmatched authority. Crowds pressed in so tightly that He and His disciples couldn’t even eat. But not everyone welcomed Him. Some—including His own family—thought He’d lost His mind. Religious leaders went even further: they accused Jesus of using Satan’s power. Jesus replied calmly but clearly: A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If Satan is fighting against himself, he’s already defeated. Jesus wasn’t doing the devil’s work—He was doing God’s work. But those who couldn’t—or wouldn’t—see it missed what was right in front of them. He warned them: don’t mistake the work of the Holy Spirit for something evil. That kind of stubbornness, that refusal to see God at work, can harden a heart beyond repair.
Things to Ponder
Have you ever judged a situation or person too quickly, only to realize later you were wrong?
Why do you think people had such a hard time accepting who Jesus really was?
What are some ways we might miss what God is doing because we’re uncomfortable or afraid?
How could we get better at asking, “Jesus, help me see You in this” before reacting?
Is there a situation in your life right now where you wonder what God is up to?
Application Challenge
This week, notice where you’re quick to judge something or someone without pausing to ask, “Could this be God at work?” Maybe it’s a hard situation that stretches your patience. Maybe it’s someone who challenges you in a way you don’t like. Ask Jesus for the kind of vision that sees through discomfort, interruption, or even disagreement—and finds His presence there.
What would it look like to slow down and pray, “Jesus, help me see You in this,” before reacting? Could God be using something you don’t yet understand to grow your faith, your kindness, or your courage? Seeing Jesus clearly often means learning to see differently—not just with our eyes, but with open hearts.
Prayer Prompt
Jesus, sometimes we miss what You're doing because it doesn’t look like what we expected. Help us slow down. Help us see You in the middle of real life—the hard moments, the confusing ones, and even the people who challenge us. Give us wisdom and grace to recognize Your Spirit at work.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.