March 11, 2026 Devo

Imagine a few scenarios with me for a moment. Picture me walking into the service department of a local car dealership. All around me are machinery, tools, and devices that are used to analyze and repair cars and trucks. I walk up to the manager of the service department and say to him, “When I was in high school back in the 70’s, I took an automotive class. So I thought I’d drop by today to tell you and your team how to fix cars.” How hard do you think those mechanics would laugh, and how do you think the service department manager would respond to me?
Or imagine me walking into Oklahoma Heart Hospital. I make my way up to the floor where surgeries are performed. I put on a gown and mask and stroll into the operating room. The lead surgeon is performing a delicate, life-saving heart valve replacement procedure. I tap him on the shoulder and say, “You know, I’ve had a couple of different First Aid trainings along the way. How about if I take over for you and let you take a break?” How fast do you think that doctor would have me taken away by security?
Why are those scenarios so silly? I do know SOMETHING about cars. And I do know a little bit about health and wellness and First Aid. They’re silly because, for as much as I may THINK I know, I don’t know enough to do anything of significance on either cars or bodies. And I CERTAINLY don’t know as much as a certified mechanic or a cardiac surgeon. It would be foolish of me to try to tell them how to do their jobs.
Just like it’s foolish of me to get on my knees and tell the Creator of all that is how to run His Universe. Yet, I’ve done that before. Haven’t you? I tell God how He needs to fix what’s going on in Washington. I tell Him how He needs to have a long talk with my wife. I tell Him exactly what He needs to change in my kids, change in my church, and change in my circumstances. Then, when He doesn’t do it, I pout. After all, doesn’t God know how smart I am?
Isaiah nailed it in our passage today. God’s the Potter. We’re just the clay. God isn’t the stupid one, WE are! Instead of demanding our way and ignoring His advice, we should be seeking Him and His guidance with all our hearts and souls. We should come before Him asking, not telling. Open-minded, not hard-headed. Submissive, not commanding. Listening, not telling. Let’s not forget who we are. And let’s not forget who He is. Trust me, He doesn’t need our help or advice. That’s God’s Word for you today.