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February 21, 2018 |
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
I always start a new year with a pen and paper (and some coffee of course) trying my best to identify my resolutions, new goals and what needs to change in my life. I love the fresh start a new year offers. A total reset.
How can I get better as a husband and father? What can I do to improve as a person (kinder, more generous, more responsible)?
As I work through my life, these are the categories I have chosen to direct my focus this year:
- Personal
- Marriage
- Physical
- Financial
- Relational
I try my best to be honest with myself about the current conditions of things. That way I can really work on the things that need my attention:
- Relationships that could use some attention or mending … (am I the only one?)
- Savings account that needs some deposits
- Lower belly fat that needs some withdrawals
You know, the usual.
As I worked through this list, I became a little overwhelmed, to be honest.
Woah. This is a lot.
I reviewed the list and concluded: There’s just no way. I can’t do all this.
I left my pen and paper and decided to come back to this mountain a bit later.
A few hours later on a walk with my wife, a verse came to mind: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
I said to myself, You’re right. You can’t do this. But God can give you the strength to approach all these areas.
I find comfort in knowing that just on my own, I can’t do all this. But there’s something great about resting in the reality of Jesus.
I’m sure you feel the same.
It’s all way too much!
I want to be good at leaning in and trusting God. (Sounds so spiritual right?)
What does that even look like?
It starts when we acknowledge Who God is … what He can do … and how much we need His help.
Moving ahead, let’s approach every area of our life with a sense of FAITH and POSSIBILITY.
I love David’s attitude in Psalm 18:29, "For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall" (NKJV).
I want to have that attitude. David said these words out of experiencing God’s help. Paul wrote the words in Philippians out of experiencing God’s help. Let’s experience God’s help moving forward like never before.
He’s waiting and ready. Are you?
Lord, help me turn to You to fight my battles — both large and small. Thank You that through Christ, I can accomplish great things for Your glory. Help me stop limiting tomorrow’s possibilities by asking You for big things … today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Are you disappointed with your life? Do you feel like you’ll never accomplish anything remarkable? Fear not! You’re in the perfect place for God to enter with His plan. In Faith Forward Future: Moving Past Your Disappointments, Delays, and Destructive Thinking, Chad Veach presents the proof that God has always known you, He’s always cared, and He’s waiting to give you His better dream for your life. Get your copy, here.
CONNECT:
If you’re looking for ongoing encouragement and God’s help as you conquer your personal mountains, connect with Chad on Facebook, here.
Enter to WIN a copy of Faith Forward Future by Chad Veach. In celebration of this book, Thomas Nelson is giving away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and email notifications to each one by Monday, February 26, 2018.}
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Take a look at the list of goal categories Chad listed above: personal, marriage, physical, financial and relational. Which areas would you most like to address in the months ahead? Ask God to guide you as you determine what you can accomplish through Christ.
Join the conversation! Leave a comment here.
© 2018 by Chad Veach. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Thomas Nelson for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
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Originally published Wednesday, 21 February 2018.
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