The Open Heaven 11 June 2026 devotional for today is LOVE SHOULD NOT HINDER GOD’S WILL.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 11 JUNE 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: LOVE SHOULD NOT HINDER GOD’S WILL
MEMORISE:
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Matthew 16:23
READ: 1 Samuel 17:26-31
26 And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?
27 And the people answered him after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the man that killeth him.
28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
30 And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner.
31 And when the words were heard which David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul: and he sent for him.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 11 JUNE 2026 TODAY MESSAGE
In December 2018, I went for the RCCG’s annual Let’s-Go-A-Fishing evangelism programme, as l usually do. The roads were bad, but I didn’t let that bother me because I was already used to travelling on bad roads.
However, the roads were so bad that year that by the third day of the programme, my body broke down completely, and I had to spend Christmas Day in bed. When it was time to return to Redemption City, I was so weak physically that I couldn’t go by road. Therefore, arrangements were made for a helicopter to transport me.
When the helicopter arrived, a crowd of people gathered around it, making it difficult for me to get on board.
My protocol team managed to get me on board the helicopter; however, the crowd made it impossible for it to take off. They clung to the helicopter, and the situation became so charged that one of its windows broke. To God’s glory, I survived that encounter and returned home safely.
Sometimes, people who love you may think that they are acting in your best interests; however, their actions might be causing more harm to you than good. The people who gathered around the helicopter, as I narrated above, didn’t do so because they wanted to hurt me. They gathered because they love me, but they didn’t know that their actions might have seriously harmed me.
In today’s Bible reading, Eliab was trying to protect David as every big brother would do. His younger brother had no combat training whatsoever, yet he was determined to challenge a seasoned warrior. If you were in Eliab’s shoes, you would also have done everything possible to prevent David from facing Goliath. However, even though he had good intentions, his actions might have prevented David from fulfilling his destiny.
Beloved, you must be careful to know when your loved ones are acting in a manner that would limit you from fulfilling God’s plan for your life. In Matthew 16:21-23, Peter, who had just declared that Jesus is the Son of God, started to rebuke the Master because He began to talk about His impending death. He obviously loved Jesus, yet he almost became a stumbling block to the Lord fulfilling His earthly assignment. I pray that God will help you discern whenever your loved ones actions are hindering His will for your life. May He give you the courage to refuse to allow their words and actions prevent you from doing His will, in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINT
Father, please help me to discern when my loved ones are not mindful of Your will
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Psalms 34-37
HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 11 JUNE 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: Matthew 16:23
“But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
This verse records one of the most startling moments in the Gospels. Peter, the same man who had just been called “blessed” and given the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:17-19), is now addressed as “Satan.” Daddy Adeboye anchors today’s devotional on this text because it reveals a crucial truth: genuine love, when misguided, can become a tool of the enemy. Peter loved Jesus. Peter did not want his Master to suffer. But that very love, because it was rooted in human reasoning rather than divine purpose, became a stumbling block. Jesus did not politely thank Peter for his concern. He rebuked him sharply because the stakes were eternal.
BIBLE READING: 1 Samuel 17:26-31
This passage describes David’s arrival at the battlefield where Goliath had been defying the armies of Israel. David hears the challenge and asks, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” His older brother Eliab hears this and burns with anger against David, accusing him of pride and wickedness. Eliab’s words were meant to silence David, to send him back to the sheep, to “protect” him from danger. But Daddy Adeboye reveals that Eliab’s protection, however well-intentioned, was actually a hindrance to David’s destiny.
The Danger of Misguided Love: When Help Becomes Harm
1. Daddy Adeboye’s Personal Testimony: The Helicopter Incident
Daddy Adeboye shares a rare and vulnerable personal story to illustrate the subtle danger of well-meaning people:
*”In December 2018, I went for the RCCG’s annual Let’s-Go-A-Fishing evangelism programme… The roads were so bad that year that by the third day of the programme, my body broke down completely, and I had to spend Christmas Day in bed.”*
After becoming too weak to travel by road, a helicopter was arranged. But then:
“When the helicopter arrived, a crowd of people gathered around it, making it difficult for me to get on board. My protocol team managed to get me on board the helicopter; however, the crowd made it impossible for it to take off. They clung to the helicopter, and the situation became so charged that one of its windows broke.”
Who were these people? Enemies? Protesters? Attackers?
“The people who gathered around the helicopter… didn’t do so because they wanted to hurt me. They gathered because they love me…”
| Their Intention | Their Actual Effect |
|---|---|
| To show love and affection | To physically endanger Daddy Adeboye’s life |
| To get close to him | To prevent the helicopter from taking off |
| To express honor | To break a window and nearly cause a disaster |
“Sometimes, people who love you may think that they are acting in your best interests; however, their actions might be causing more harm to you than good.”
This is the central warning of today’s devotional. Love is not enough. Good intentions are not enough. If love is not submitted to God’s timing and God’s purpose, it can become a chain that holds you back from your destiny.
2. Eliab’s “Protection” of David (1 Samuel 17:26-31)
Daddy Adeboye draws a parallel to David and his older brother Eliab:
| Eliab’s Perspective | The Reality |
|---|---|
| David is a boy, not a soldier | David is an anointed king and a man of faith |
| David has no combat training | David has killed a lion and a bear by God’s power |
| David is being prideful and irresponsible | David is defending the honor of the living God |
| Eliab is protecting his younger brother | Eliab is attempting to block David’s destiny |
“If you were in Eliab’s shoes, you would also have done everything possible to prevent David from facing Goliath. However, even though he had good intentions, his actions might have prevented David from fulfilling his destiny.”
This is the tragedy of Eliab. He was not evil. He was not an enemy of God. He was an older brother who loved his younger sibling and did not want to see him killed. But his love, because it operated from human fear rather than divine revelation, was actually aligning him against God’s plan.
The Peter Paradigm: From Revelation to Stumbling Block
1. The Context (Matthew 16:21-23)
Daddy Adeboye highlights the shocking contrast:
| Just Before (Matthew 16:16-17) | Just After (Matthew 16:22-23) |
|---|---|
| Peter: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” | Peter: “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.” |
| Jesus: “Blessed art thou… flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee.” | Jesus: “Get thee behind me, Satan… thou savourest not the things that be of God.” |
The same mouth that spoke divine revelation moments later spoke satanic obstruction. What changed? Peter heard Jesus say He would suffer, die, and rise again. Peter loved Jesus. Peter did not want his Master to die. So Peter rebuked the Son of God.
“He obviously loved Jesus, yet he almost became a stumbling block to the Lord fulfilling His earthly assignment.”
Peter’s love was real. Peter’s concern was genuine. But Peter’s understanding was earthly, not heavenly. He was “savouring the things of men”—thinking like a human who fears death—rather than savouring the things of God—understanding that the cross was the very purpose of Jesus’ coming.
2. Jesus’ Severe Response
Jesus did not say, “Thank you for your concern, Peter, but I’ll be fine.” He did not say, “I appreciate your love, but let me handle this.” He said: “Get thee behind me, Satan.”
Why so harsh? Because Peter, in that moment, was speaking the same language that Satan spoke in the wilderness: “Avoid the suffering. Take the easy path. Save Yourself.” Satan wanted Jesus to bypass the cross. Peter, out of love, wanted the same thing.
| Source | Message | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Satan (Matthew 4) | Worship me and avoid the cross | The enemy |
| Peter (Matthew 16) | Lord, don’t go to the cross | Misguided love |
Both messages led to the same destination: away from God’s will.
How to Discern When Loved Ones Are Hindering Your Destiny
Daddy Adeboye prays for discernment. Here is how to recognize when well-meaning people are actually blocking God’s plan for your life:
1. The Test of Fear vs. Faith
| If Their Advice Is Rooted in Fear | If Their Advice Is Rooted in Faith |
|---|---|
| “It’s too dangerous” | “God is with you” |
| “What if you fail?” | “What if God succeeds through you?” |
| “Nobody has ever done that before” | “God makes a way where there is no way” |
| “You’re not qualified” | “God qualifies the called” |
| “Wait until you’re more ready” | “Now is the time of the Lord” |
Eliab’s words to David were pure fear: “Why did you come down here? I know your pride and the naughtiness of your heart.” (1 Samuel 17:28). Peter’s words to Jesus were pure fear: “This shall not happen to you.”
Fear-based love will always try to keep you safe. Faith-based love will release you into God’s dangerous will.
2. The Test of Human Reasoning vs. Divine Purpose
| Human Reasoning Says | Divine Purpose Says |
|---|---|
| “Protect your reputation” | “Be willing to be misunderstood” |
| “Preserve your comfort” | “Take up your cross” |
| “Avoid pain at all costs” | “The suffering produces glory” |
| “Stay where it’s familiar” | “Go where I am sending you” |
Peter was reasoning like a man. Jesus was obeying as the Son. Eliab was reasoning like an older brother. David was acting as a man of faith.
“May He give you the courage to refuse to allow their words and actions prevent you from doing His will.”
Courage is required because the people hindering you are often not enemies—they are parents, spouses, siblings, mentors, and close friends who genuinely love you. Saying “no” to their “protection” feels like betrayal. But disobedience to God is the greater betrayal.
The Cost of Yielding to Misguided Love
Daddy Adeboye implies several consequences if David had listened to Eliab or Jesus had listened to Peter:
| If David Had Listened to Eliab | If Jesus Had Listened to Peter |
|---|---|
| Goliath would have continued to defy Israel | No atonement for sin |
| The Philistines would have enslaved Israel | No resurrection victory |
| David would have remained a shepherd, never a king | No empty tomb, no salvation |
| The lineage of Christ would have been interrupted | Eternity would be lost |
“If you were in Eliab’s shoes, you would also have done everything possible to prevent David from facing Goliath.”
Yes. And that is precisely the danger. Your loved ones are not evil. They are not agents of Satan consciously. But the enemy can use their love, their fear, and their “common sense” to build a prison around your destiny.
| Misguided Love Sounds Like | What It Actually Does |
|---|---|
| “I just don’t want you to get hurt” | Tries to keep you from the very battle that will make you |
| “That dream is unrealistic” | Attempts to kill your God-given vision |
| “Why can’t you be like everyone else?” | Pressures you into conformity rather than destiny |
| “You’re being too radical for God” | Attempts to water down your consecration |
How to Respond When Loved Ones Hinder You
Based on Daddy Adeboye’s teaching and the biblical examples, here is how to respond:
1. Recognize the Source (Without Hating the Person)
Jesus saw that behind Peter’s words was Satan’s agenda. He rebuked Satan, not Peter as a person. You can love your family member while rejecting the fear-based advice they are giving.
2. Speak the Truth in Love (But Speak It)
David did not insult Eliab. He simply turned away from him (1 Samuel 17:30 – “He turned from him toward another”) and continued speaking the same words of faith. He did not argue. He did not fight. He disengaged.
3. Obey God Rather Than Man (Acts 5:29)
When the choice is between pleasing God and pleasing your loved ones, the answer is clear: obey God. This may strain relationships temporarily, but God is able to restore what is broken when you walk in obedience.
4. Pray for Their Eyes to Be Opened
Your loved ones are not your enemies. Pray for them. Ask God to give them revelation so they can support you rather than hinder you. But do not wait for their permission to obey God.
Warning: The Most Dangerous Hindrances Come From Love
Daddy Adeboye’s devotional carries a profound warning: the enemy does not usually attack you through obvious enemies. He attacks through the people who love you most and whose advice you are most likely to trust without question.
| Obvious Enemy | Hidden Hindrance |
|---|---|
| Goliath (clearly the enemy) | Eliab (big brother who “cares”) |
| Satan in the wilderness (obvious temptation) | Peter (beloved disciple who “loves”) |
| Persecutors (easy to identify) | Family and friends (hard to resist) |
“I pray that God will help you discern whenever your loved ones actions are hindering His will for your life.”
Discernment is the gift you need. Without it, you will hug your prison bars and call them protection.
Conclusion: Your Prayer for Courage and Discernment
Daddy Adeboye closes with a prayer for discernment and courage. Do not let the love of well-meaning people derail the purpose of God for your life.
Pray this:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You recognizing that even love can be misguided. Forgive me for the times I have listened to fear disguised as protection. Forgive me for allowing the ‘Eliabs’ and ‘Peters’ in my life to talk me out of Your will. Today, I ask for discernment: show me when the advice of my loved ones is actually a hindrance to my destiny. Give me the courage of David—to turn away from fear-based counsel and fix my eyes on the living God. Give me the determination of Jesus—to walk toward the cross even when those I love say, ‘Don’t go.’ I will not let human affection block divine assignment. I will obey You, even when it breaks hearts. Guide my steps, in Jesus’ mighty name.”
Action Steps:
- The Counsel Audit: Think about the last three significant decisions you made (career, ministry, marriage, relocation, etc.). Who advised you? Was their advice rooted in fear or faith? If they advised you away from God’s clear direction, recognize their love was misguided.
- The Eliab Test: Identify one person in your life whose “protection” may actually be hindering your destiny. Ask God: Is this person speaking Your will or human fear? If the answer is fear, begin lovingly disengaging from their counsel without disengaging from the person.
- The Courage Prayer: Every morning this week, pray: “Lord, give me the courage to obey You today, even if everyone I love tells me I am wrong. I will savor the things of God, not the things of men.”
“Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:23)
Love is not an excuse to disobey God. Discern the source. Choose the cross. Fulfill your destiny.
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