Do you mind if I testify real quick? I used to be overwhelmed. Upset. Tired. Frustrated. Sleep-deprived. All because I was relying on energy that did not come from God himself. I even found myself not wanting to work on my calling because I felt so tired just thinking about what the Lord had instructed me to do. And don’t get me wrong. It’s all still a work in progress, but this is what reFRESH is all about!
For today’s devotion, I want to dive into how God’s energy can help you improve in being a good steward over what He has given you and how you can use that energy to stay rooted in God.
We are all put on this earth for a purpose. Generally speaking, our unified purpose as God’s children is to help share the gospel of Jesus Christ. (The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren is a great book on purpose and I highly recommend it!)
Of course, God created each of us with a different personality and we all bring something to the table when it comes to how we will share the gospel. If you don’t know what your specific purpose entails, I pray the Lord reveals that to you and that you continue to seek Him in figuring out just what you’re called to do. When we understand our purpose in life, it helps us not to give up and to keep going. There’s a song by Mary Mary that says
I just can’t give up now
I’ve come too far from where I’ve started from
The very next line says “Nobody told me the road would be easy…”. There will be trials. Sometimes we may fall, but with God, we have everything we need to get back up again. When we look back and see how far we’ve come, we should rejoice and that should be our encouragement to keep moving forward. But to do that, we need energy from the man above. The Message Bible words it nicely:
“What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 MSG)
This passage here is dealing with obedience and through the Holy Spirit, we’re able to gain energy and power to continue doing His will.
The Amplified Bible says to “continue working out our salvation, [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ.] (And this doesn’t suggest that we gain salvation through works. This passage is encouraging us to live out the salvation that has already been given to us through grace and through faith and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.)
It just amazes me how different passages in the Bible connect the way they do. If we turn to Hebrews 12, we will find encouragement to run this race of life with endurance, yet keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. This passage right here keeps me going for sure because as the chapter continues, it reminds us that we haven’t nearly experienced the pain and suffering Jesus endured on the cross. And He went through all of that just for us! (What a mighty God we serve!) Please, please remember this whenever you’re going through and continue to rely on the Lord’s energy, cause let me tell you: He’s got a lot of it! The man never sleeps, okay?!
Continue to press towards the mark. (Philippians 3:14) Keep living for God! (And if you find yourself not in alignment with God, today could be your day to get there! For we don’t know the day nor the hour of Jesus’ return and God wants all His children to be saved.
Prayer
God, we worship you. We praise your holy name. For there is none like you. Lord, please forgive us for our sins, knowing and unknowing. Lord, you said in your word that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that Jesus died on the cross and rose again, then we shall be saved. So, God, we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. And we wholeheartedly believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Lord, we thank you for your grace and the new mercies you give us each and every day. Continue to guide us and continue to reFRESH us so that we will be able to do your will. In Jesus Name, Amen!
If you prayed that prayer for the very first time, or you’ve decided to rededicate your life to Christ, I am rejoicing for you! Welcome to the royal family!
reFRESHments
Read Philippians 2:12-13
Read Philippians 3:14
Read Hebrews 12
Songs: Can’t Give Up Now - Mary Mary & I’m Alive - Rich Tolbert Jr.
When you find yourself feeling a little weak, remember to turn to the Father to gain some needed energy. Continue to read His word and remain in prayer always.
Peace & Blessings,
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