November 16, 2018
Why His Strength is Our Victory
Kelly Balarie
Today’s Truth
Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127:1 NIV)
Friend to Friend
There are two ways champion athletes act. Consider the game of football. The guy who runs the winning touchdown either kneels on the ground, pounds his fists against his chest, and yells, “I'm Da' Man!” or he runs to the 10-yard line, points up to God, and says, "All due credit goes to You, Jesus."
May we do all things to the glory of God.
A girl can hope, right? Sometimes I misplace due-glory. It’s not that I don't want to thank, praise or give credit to God. I do. It is just that I get busy, distracted, and focused on all that I need to do. All the people who need me. All the happenings around me.
Are you at all like me?
Consider, when you (work, help others, do a job, want something, are after a dream), do you:
1. Work really hard, yet feel disappointed that you don't get what you want? (Yes/No)
2. Put your best effort in, yet feel reliant on the outcome? (Yes/No)
3. Get upset when people don't acknowledge what you've done? (Yes/No)
4. Become worried that other people will look better than you? (Yes/No)
5. Wonder if you'll be put to shame if you don’t perform well? (Yes/No)
6. Hope that people see you and notice all that you are doing? (Yes/No)
7. Work yourself to the point of being extremely tired? (Yes/No)
8. Say yes to everyone even though you know you should say no? (Yes/No)
9. Expect people to give you the things "due to you"? (Yes/No)
10. Become resentful towards the “many” people who demand things of you? (Yes/No)
If you answered yes to a few of the above questions, this is a good sign you’re working by your own strength. Strength that leads to discouragement, disappointment and a depleted spirit.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1 NIV)
Our strength = Our defeat.
His strength = Our victory.
Where do you need to move out of the way, so that you can find a new, restful and restorative way -- Jesus’ way?
Relying on God’s victory doesn’t mean we do nothing. Here are some things we can do, while trusting God as we wait on Him. We can:
1. Pray
2. Lean on His promises
3. Wait to understand what He wants us to do.
4. Move out and love others
5. Rest
6. Pray and give thanks.
Let’s Pray
Father, may I do Your will in my life. May I do it because it is a joy to love others. May I do it because I know You want me to do so. May I find life and peace as I move out, with You.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Where are you working hard? Taking a few steps back, is this what God is calling you to or do you feel obligated to do so?
More from the Girlfriends
Kelly Balarie, blogger at Purposeful Faith and author of the new book “Battle Ready: Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt and Live Victoriously” is passionate about joining hands with women who often find themselves stuck in the pits of life. Step-by-step, word-by-word, her dream is that together they can emerge better - fear, fret and panic-free. Get all of Kelly’s Purposeful Faith blog posts by email for a dose of inspiration and encouragement.
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