FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27
“I
am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Ge 28:15 NIV
YOUR
STORM SHELTER (3)
To prepare for life’s storms you must: (1) practice self-control. Storms are
much harder on the undisciplined and self-indulgent. The illusion that life
should be an easy, painless, air-cushioned ride, makes you vulnerable to
discouragement, disillusionment and defeat in hard times. The truth is, though
times don’t last but tough people do! And tough people practice self-denial and
self-control. It’s their spiritual muscle for handling life’s hardships. The
Bible says, “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Gal 5:22-23 NIV). God’s
Spirit will make you tough enough to control your greatest weakness—yourself—the
thing that ultimately defeats you in the tough times. Paul lived by this
principle. “I discipline my body and keep it under control” (1 Co 9:27 ESV).
Great athletes know that it’s their conditioning, not the conditions, that
determine their victory. (2) Depend on
God, not people. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence
in man.” (Ps 118:8 NKJV). Yes, others can help you at times, like a cast helps
a broken leg. But once that leg is ready to bear its weight, you must discard the
cast or our leg won’t regain full strength. People can go so far; only God will
go all the way with you. Pau writes: “No one stood with me, but all forsook me.
May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened
me…The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His
heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Ti 4:16-18
NKJV).
Taken
from the Word for you Today devotional
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