Monday, July 21, 2014
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
GIVE UP TOO EASILY?
Do you ever tell yourself, "I can't," when really what you mean is, "I don't want to, because it takes too much effort or there are other things I'd rather do"? Cleaning the garage is one of those things for me. I have no trouble coming up with all kinds of reasons why "I can't," but most of the time it's more a matter of not wanting to make the effort. As a result, I give up on the project too easily.
It happens in our lives of following the Lord, too. We know what the Lord would have us do as His children, forgiven and sanctified in Christ Jesus; but how many times do we fail to carry through with it? We know it's important to hear the Word in church and use it at home in daily devotions, but other things get in the way. We're busy people, and so we say, "Oh well, maybe tomorrow or next time." We give up too easily. We come face-to-face with temptations to spread gossip or go along with a "little" sin everyone else is doing. Do we surrender without much of a struggle? There is plenty of service we can offer to the Lord at church and to others every day. How little does it take for us to put it off until another time?
It points out how weak we are. In fact, by nature we zero strength of our own. But that's not a reason to give up living for the Lord, not at all! For we have a limitless source of strength in Him. The apostle Paul said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). At the cross of Jesus we not only find full and free forgiveness for all sin, we also receive the motivation and power to "fight the good fight of faith."
What does the Lord have for you to do today? Eagerly take it up with the prayer that He would in His grace bless it.
