Have you thanked Him?
Have you praised Him?
Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?
Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?
1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)
1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.
“Don’t fear your weaknesses—God supplies all the strength you need. Be afraid of those moments when you think you’re independently strong.” – PDT
A couple Sunday’s ago I had the privilege of going to listen to my friend Michael English share his music and testimony with some folks just outside of Oakwood.
I have talked about Michael on the DISPATCH before and I won’t go back into his story. Many of you know that it was his book that played a huge part in my recovery. Rather I want to share something he shared during his concert that “was a little” new.
He shared that his LIFE VERSE was this…
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid. He gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control.
Recently Michael has “refound” his voice. He is on the way “back up”. He released a new “life-changing” CD of worship music. Mine shipped today!
He is back on TV; his commercial success is trending upward. His testimony is making a difference everywhere he goes. He even “wrecked” the SENIOR PASTOR at Victory Christian that morning.
And yet he was quick to share that with all of the “rebound” a new set of fears have surfaced; with the success has come a new set of intensified anxieties.
That is just like the enemy to keep trying to introduce that SPIRIT of FEAR.
Often we think he preys on us in our troubles, but he is also VERY QUICK to sneak into our successes.
He brings doubt.
He brings fear of “new failure”.
He reminds us of our past.
He reminds us of our “exposed” areas.
He reminds us of the ‘weak and vulnerable spots”.
He offers arrogance and pride.
But GOD and Michael remind us today, GOD didn’t give us a SPIRIT of FEAR but of a SOUND MIND, hence NO ROOM for ANXIOUS thoughts. And it is GOD’S power that makes the difference so no room for ARROGANCE.
That is why the quote from PDT today is right on point.
When we begin to experience a little success, when our egos start to take the forefront, when we believe WE are the ones who have things “going on” so to speak, we are intensely vulnerable.
It is in those moments that we need to REMEMBER WHO HAS THE POWER.
Romans 12:3 (PHILIPPS)
Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God has given to you all.
I love that “translation”.
We should never exaggerate OUR capabilities but rather be reminded that OUR FAITH in GOD is what is important.
I am not saying we can’t be BLESSED for the changes GOD is making in our lives; for how he is strengthening us. I am just saying the minute we start taking credit and letting a little arrogance slip in, we are at risk.
The good news is Michael has chosen to LEAN HEAVILY on HIS FAITH this time and not the voices of success or their trappings. Instead he is remaining humble, connected and trusting GOD for each day. He is not allow his “weaknesses” to deter or define him but allowing them to keep him "bowed" before the LORD; leaving each day in the hands of GOD.
I believe we all could take a page from that “new book” from Michael.
Remember:
…apart from me (JESUS) you can do nothing (John 15:5)
You can
…boast all the more gladly of …weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon (you). (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
For when you:
“Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in his love than in your weakness.” ― Mother Teresa
I love you ALL!
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