(Today’s Devotional Submitted by Guest Writer: Cheryl Spafford, Minister to Girls, Champion Forest Baptist Church)
“‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Deut 31:6 (NIV)
Ever since I was in High School there have been two quotes that have either been tucked away in the pages of my Bible, attached to my dashboard, or taped up on the nearest mirror or bulletin board. They’re both written on the same card, one on each side. Depending on the circumstances of the moment I have one or the other always visibly before me while getting ready to take on the day or spending time in God’s Word. The first quote is by the late Jim Elliot and it reads, “Receive this moment’s experience with both hands. Don’t waste it. Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”
The second quote is by his wife Elisabeth and it reads, “A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace. All is under my Father’s control. My heart is at peace. My Father is in charge, how simple.”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve prayed for courage. I need courage to stand up for what’s right, courage to speak truth, courage to live by faith, and courage to be still and simply wait on the Lord when everything within me wants to run. I don’t want to be fearful nor found lacking in faith. Sometimes I feel that if the Lord would just give me a monthly booster shot of courage that I could be so much more effective for Him in my Christian walk.
What are some areas in your life that challenge your faith and reliance on God’s sovereignty? If we look to the Father and allow our confidence and security to be found in Him, then anything else we have or don’t have doesn’t really matter. Find out about the true peace we can have in the Lord when we choose not to be afraid because the Lord is near (Php. 4:4-9). Our security is in Christ.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell