People will always find ways to explain away the extraordinary and improbable things they see and experience. We do this to fit our own agenda—to save face, to feel good about ourselves, to not have to change our lifestyle, to secure our place in society. In this passage, the Pharisees see what’s happening, and they know they don’t have the same kind of power over demons that Jesus has, so they need a way around explaining His power while still rejecting Him as the Messiah. Their answer? Denying God’s power in Him by attributing it to another kind of power. We can get caught up in denying God’s power as well, perhaps crediting only ourselves for getting through a rough patch or coming out of the dark fog of a toxic relationship. In the heat of the moment, we might see what God is doing, but once we are feeling better, we decide the positive outcome was all our own doing. Or maybe, after seeing someone else overcome what is physically impossible, we find ourselves praising only the resilience of human beings. We tend to recognize our own contributions but fail to recognize God’s. This isn’t to discount our perseverance or struggles. We put in the effort. We put in hard work. But how many great moments where God has worked in your life have you minimized because of pride, thinking only of yourself and your accomplishments? Today could be a good day to look back and start recognizing God’s hand in your life. To start acknowledging His work in the midst of your struggles and hard times. To respond to His miracles with awe.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of being “empowered by the prince of demons”?

What is the most difficult moment or situation that God brought you out of? How did He help you through it?

What are some other situations where you may not have given God the credit He deserved for the help He gave? How will you give thanks for His help today?