Use What Your Daddy Gave You - Girlfriends in God - September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016
Use What Your Daddy Gave You
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him(2 Peter 3:14).

Friend to Friend

Did you know that you’ve got what it takes to do all that God has prepared for you to do? The Bible says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3, emphasis added).

But that doesn’t mean we get to sit back on our haunches and do nothing. Peter wrote: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness . . .” (2 Pet. 1:5).

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election” (1:10).

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:14)

Theologian Mark Buchanan said it well: “Those who do not make every effort are like the blind man whose sight is restored, but who never adjusts to that. He remains in his old ways, tapping his cane on the sidewalk, rattling his cup at the curb, reading by Braille, groping and shuffling, turning light into darkness, day into night.”

You have everything you need. You’ve got what it takes to do all that God has called you to do and to be. So now, make every effort to do so—to take advantage of who you are, what you have, and where you are in Christ.

Don’t waste time comparing yourself to anyone else. Sharpen your skills. Practice your trade. Exercise your gifts. Grab hold of the truth and be on your way.

God had given Moses everything he needed for the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

· He orchestrated the Pharaoh’s daughter to walk by the Nile at the precise moment baby Moses cried out from the floating basket.

· He choreographed Miriam to witness the love-struck princess’ rescue.

· He made sure that Moses was raised in the Pharaoh’s household, learned the Egyptian culture, and mastered the Egyptian language.

This was the Holy Ghost prep school, and Moses was pre-enrolled before he was even born. But when he failed and bailed in Egypt, Moses left bits and pieces of his confidence strewn along the path as he fled into the desert. By the time he reached Midian, it was all gone. And he gave up.

Oh, friend, the devil would like nothing more than to steal your confidence so that you won’t make every effort. Jesus reminds us, “The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). There is no more perfect time for him to make his move than in a season of failure.

So remember, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3, emphasis added). So now, it’s up to you to make every effort to use what your Daddy gave you!

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for giving me everything I need to do what You’ve called me to do. Help me to use what You’ve given me for such a time as this. Keep me from complacency and prod me to action.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Matthew 25:14-18.

What did the master give to each servant?

What did each servant do with what the master gave him?

What did God say to the servant who hid is gold rather than invest it?

Which servant would you rather be?

How is God calling you to use the gifts He has given you?

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion came from my latest book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. Let’s take hold of all that Jesus has already taken hold of for us and placed in us! Check it out at www.takeholdthebook.comwhere you can download a free chapter and watch a video book trailer. The book also comes with a Bible study guide. Make sure and sign upfor my weekly blog for more great deals and inspiration.