Daily Devotion for 5/18/11 Growing Stronger Through Change Part IV

Good Morning Folks...Happy Wednesday! I pray that everyone's week has been blessed thus far. This is the final portion of this series. I pray that it has helped at least one person. Let's get to it!

Today's Topic: Growing Stronger Through Change Part IV
Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:1

"Let us strip off every weight that...trips us up."

The Psalmist said: "I'm awake all night-not a wink of sleep; I can't even say what's bothering me" (Psalms 77:4) Is anyone going through that right now? Is this a recurring situation for you? If so, here are a few things to consider changing:

#1 Let go of what no longer works: There are trade-offs. For everything you gain, you usually have to give something up. The trouble is, we do not like giving up what we do well. [I went through this myself when God told me to let go of dancing to focus on ministry through song] so we focus on "doing things right", end up not doing the right things, and wonder why we don't succeed. When you season changes, be open to a new strategy. Letting go of what doesn't work anymore frees you up to focus on what does. And more importantly, to focus on what God wants you to do!

#2 Don't let change paralyze you: In new situations our first inclination is to slow down, play it safe and buy ourselves time. But often we just fall further behind. Being overly cautious makes you freeze, much like a deer in headlights. The Bible says that God "gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless" (Isaiah 40:29) So trust Him and move forward, instead of giving in to the impulse to just do nothing.

#3 Approach the future with confidence: Recent events have us all on edge, but as a child of God you can say "I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe (Psalms 4:8) The truth is, you can't build a decent argument for living in fear; so trust God, adjust to reality, and live each day to the fullest!


Alright folks! That's it for now...I pray this has helped someone...

Remember I'm always here if you need me.

Pray for me, I need to be feeling much better within the next week. God Bless!

Love me some you!

:: LA ::