As we run this race called life, sometimes we forget that we don’t do it alone! God wants us to empower us to live each day as we trust him. In fact, the Apostle Paul said Jesus told him “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). What are the practical ways we can learn to rely on God’s strength?
- Give up trying to “do” or “be” in your own strength! In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul goes on to say, “Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” Recognize you are NOT strong enough by yourself. Quit the “if only’s,” or “I should’s,” and do what connects you to God first. In the process, read God’s word – not as a homework assignment, but to discover the help and strength God has for you today.
- Talk to God. Begin your day in his presence – try envisioning him as a friend chatting with you over your cup of morning coffee. Talk to him about your day ahead and anything else on your mind. Then, talk with him throughout your day. Ask him for wisdom in decisions you are making … ask him for his eyes as you see others … and for his heart in your dealings with people.
- Then, at the end of the day, thank God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When bad things happen, and even good things feel rare, it’s easy to get discouraged. If we let discouragement fester in our hearts, we can begin to resent God … which in turn brings us back to relying more on ourselves. To “thank God in all circumstances,” keep a gratitude list. Write down even the simplest of things you have to be thankful for and it will help you rediscover God in the midst of your current challenges, enabling you to rely on him.
– Judi Brandow, Communications Specialist
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