When Self Tries to Take the Wheel
When the flesh tries to steer, let the Spirit take the wheel again.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s devotional from Ray Stedman takes us into one of Paul’s more human moments—one where his reaction shows how easily even the most seasoned believer can slip into flesh-driven responses. Instead of addressing the Sanhedrin with the traditional respect, Paul dives in boldly, calling them “brothers” and defending himself in a way that was both true and emotionally charged. His confrontation with the high priest becomes a picture of what happens when even a godly man momentarily reacts from the soul rather than yielding to the Spirit.
Paul’s fiery response—“God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!”—isn’t just a dramatic outburst. Stedman implies t’s a clear reminder that even Paul wasn’t immune to the pull of the flesh. He was in Jerusalem against the direct leading of the Spirit, and here we see how one act of independence opens the door to more. That’s the nature of the flesh—it doesn’t just stay confined to one area. It bleeds into our speech, our decisions, and our attitudes, subtly taking control where only Christ belongs.
Yet even in this failure, Paul models something beautiful. Once he realizes he has disrespected the high priest, he immediately submits to the law that says “Do not speak evil of a ruler.” He doesn't justify himself or explain away his anger. He simply yields. That is a lesson in itself—not in behavior management, but in living responsive to the Spirit’s correction.
The takeaway isn't to try harder next time. It's to see that even our best intentions can drift when self leads the charge. But Christ in us is faithful to correct, restore, and continue leading us forward—not because we’ve done everything right, but because He remains our Life even when we stumble.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I know your heart longs to honor Me, and I see the ache when your words or reactions miss that mark. Do not despair when your flesh flares up—recognize it, and turn again to Me. You were never meant to manage the flesh with your willpower; you were made to walk by My Spirit.
You are not condemned when you stumble, for there is no condemnation for those who are in Me. I have already borne every outburst, every misstep, every moment when you leaned on your own understanding. Now, I invite you to abide in Me anew—to let My Life be your life, My words be your words, and My peace rule where reaction once reigned.
There is no need to replay your errors. Fix your eyes on Me. You are a vessel I fill, not a project I demand to perform. Just as Paul, even in his misstep, yielded when corrected, so you too can rest in My unshakable grace. My Spirit in you will always lead you in paths of righteousness—not by force, but by love.
When the flesh presses to be heard, let your heart remember: you are no longer in Adam—you are in Me. Your spirit is alive because of righteousness. Let Me reign from within, and even in tension, I will express My gentleness, My truth, My power. You are Mine, and I am your Life.
Scriptures referenced: Romans 6:16; Acts 23:1–5; Romans 8:1–2, 10; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:10–11; Colossians 3:3–4; John 15:4–5; 1 Peter 2:23; Romans 12:17–21; Ephesians 4:29–32
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like trying to steer a car after the alignment has been knocked out of place. You might start in the right direction, but unless the steering is corrected, it naturally pulls off course. The more you resist, the more tiring it becomes. But once the alignment is restored, the car practically drives itself straight again.
Likewise, when we move ahead without yielding to the Spirit—just one small moment of independence—it affects everything. But when we acknowledge the pull, surrender the wheel, and trust the Spirit to realign our responses, peace returns. Today, maybe you find yourself in a heated conversation or a moment of being misunderstood. Pause. Say within: Lord, I trust You to respond through me in this moment. Live Your gentleness in my tone, Your patience in my timing, and Your wisdom in my silence.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that I no longer live under the rule of the flesh, even when it tries to assert itself. You have made me a new creation, united with Christ, and filled with Your Spirit. I rest in that truth. When I speak too quickly or react without pausing to yield, You are not surprised, nor are You distant. You are still my Life, still my Source, still leading me back to quiet trust in You.
Thank You that I don’t have to manage my emotions in my own strength. Thank You that in every moment—even when I falter—You are faithful to express Your Life through me again. I receive this moment as another opportunity to walk in step with You, trusting You to live through me.