Thursday, August 8, 2013 - Where do you run when life presses in on me?

AM Devotion - Prayer

Listening to "He's Able"
He's Able - On YouTube

Exercise: Jog/Abs

sa TerKeurst

"Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10b (NIV)

Have you ever been in a pit? Recently, I was. And you know what pits make me feel besides frustrated and down? Hungry.

Usually my pit comes when circumstances roll into my life that I can't control.

Circumstances that affect me, but that are beyond my control, make me want to find comfort in things I can control. And eating sure does feel like an easy way to get comfort.

But in these situations, what feels comforting going in my mouth doesn't settle well in my heart.

Overindulging in junk food makes me feel guilty. And once guilty joins me in my pit, it only compounds my issues. So, if we can't eat our way out of a pit with junk food, what can we do?

If I'm truly hungry, I can grab a healthy option. Then, I intentionally look for something for which to be thankful and get my mouth busy praising God.

Even though I may not feel like praising God in the midst of my pit, something starts to shift in my heart and in my attitude when I see blessings in the midst of burdens. Each thing for which I verbalize my thankfulness is like a stepping stone out of the pit.

And this isn't just my idea. It's biblical. Look what happened when Daniel took this approach to the pit he found himself in.

In Daniel 6:10  Daniel had just learned that if anyone was caught praying to anyone else besides King Darius, they would be thrown into the lion's den. That's a serious pit! But Daniel's reaction is amazing.

He went home, threw his windows open, and prayed anyway. I'm not thinking he did this because he felt good. I'm imagining he felt like anyone would feel in overwhelming circumstances. But he rose above his feelings to make a choice.

And do you know what he chose to pray?

"God, save me!"

"God, it's not fair!"

"God, this is too much!"

"God, smite my enemies and wipe them out!"

"God, You know I can't handle this without extreme doses of chocolate!"

No. None of the above.

What Daniel prayed is a powerful lesson for me.

Daniel 6:10b tells us that Daniel spoke prayers of gratitude. "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

Since Daniel's response is so opposite of the way most of us would react, it makes me stop and ponder. Our initial responses are usually a by-product of the rituals we've established in our life. Daniel had made it his habit to be thankful.

Since Daniel was a thankful man, God's nature and how He provides was front and center in Daniel's heart—even in the midst of uncontrollable circumstances.

I am challenged and inspired by Daniel's response. It makes me ask questions like: where do I run when life presses in on me? Who or what am I really dependent on? Do I have a habit of inviting guilt to join me in my pit? What might happen if I stopped grabbing for comfort and instead embraced the perspective changer of thanksgiving?

Life will be full of pits. But, that doesn't mean I have to be a pit dweller. Or a pit eater.

Dear Lord, I know I will sometimes find myself in a pit. But I don't have to stay there and I don't have to try to eat my way out. Thank You for providing Your timeless Word to point to the way, the truth and the life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Did this devotion resonate with you? If so, check out Lysa TerKeurst's New York Times best-selling book Made to Crave. You'll gain practical and biblical insight on satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food. Click here to purchase your copy!

We are so thankful at Proverbs 31 Ministries for the ways God has shared His wisdom and heart with us, and how we get to share that with you! Recently Miranda let us know, "I used to feel hopeless and like my life didn't matter. Through Encouragement for Today, I feel equipped to be a godly wife and mom like I have a purpose."

Would you partner with us to help us share our devotions with women like Miranda and over 500,000 more around the world each day? Find out more and make a donation here!

Lysa has a special message to share with you today on her blog. Click here to hear from her!

Reflect and Respond:
Ask yourself these 3 questions:

Where do I run when life presses in on me?
Who or what am I really dependent on?
Do I have a habit of inviting guilt to join me in my pit?

Power Verses:
Hebrews 12:28, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." (NIV)

Colossians 3:15, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (NIV)

© 2013 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org

Wednesday, August 7, 2013 - God's word is always right on Time! What to do when dealing with Rejection!

Praise God for This Word of Encouragement!
I had a Self-Pity, Feeling Rejected type of Day Yesterday and I almost made some bad
decisions to deal with the rejection. With the help of my Godly Sisters praying for me and encouraging me along with keeping me busy for the evening, I was able to get through the day without needing to confess a ton of sins to my Father this morning!! #RealTalk

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me!  Keep praising God!!!

August 7, 2013 Moments Like These Wendy Pope

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)

My eyes caught hers as I was leaving the room. The somber look on her face revealed her heavy heart. I gave her a questioning look to which she simply shook her head "no." We'd been praying for her to receive some good news, a "yes" to an opportunity she'd been working hard to get. The call had come; she'd been denied.

I recognized her pain. Its name: rejection. Like my friend, I waited for a similar call, only to be turned down too.

Perhaps you have met the unwelcome intruder, rejection, as well.

You work hard to earn a promotion, only to be over-looked. You aim to be a loving wife, yet your husband still leaves. Well-intended friends assure us with words like, "God's plans and timing are perfect." With great compassion they tell us, "Keep trusting God." But sometimes, when rejection hits hard, we need a boost to our trust. We need something when we're in the pit. Moments like these are made for praise.

Praise heals brokenness in a way words alone cannot. When we praise through our pain, God supernaturally empowers us to do what seems impossible: rise above our circumstances. Our praise redirects our focus on Him rather than our rejection, and reminds us that God always welcomes us into His presence.

Praising God is easy when life is full of happiness and success. However, when we're dealing with rejection, praising God can be difficult; it can feel like a sacrifice. It's not necessarily easy to offer a heart of thanks when we feel like we don't have much to be grateful for. However, the writer of Hebrews advises us to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips" (Hebrews 13:15b). Just like fruit is sweet and pleasing to our taste, praise is sweet and pleasing to the Lord.

Praising through the pain (and if we're honest, sometimes through the self-pity) seems to take strength we don't have to give. But the author of Hebrews 13:15 tells us our ability to praise in hard moments comes through Jesus.

As we tap into His power, our sacrifice of praise will generate more strength to praise, which will generate more praise. It is a beautiful cycle! Praise lifts our eyes from the rejection and sets it on all we have in Jesus: peace, comfort and acceptance.

Later that week I texted my friend to see how she was doing. She'd taken time alone for praise and the pain of my friend's rejection had begun to ease. Did her troubles disappear? Was her rejection turned into acceptance? No. But her sorrow was turned to joy as she focused on praise, that was sweet and pleasing to her Lord.

Dear Lord, thank You for supplying all I need all the time. You even give me strength to praise. What an awesome God You are! Help me to remember the truth I learned today when rejection comes. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Trusting God for a Better Tomorrow Bible Study by Wendy Pope

If you're looking for an in-depth Bible study that fits in the busyness of your schedule, dive into God's Word with Wendy's online class of Psalm 70-82. Don't miss this exciting adventure that begins September 9. To register click here and scroll down to "Fall Study."

Reflect and Respond:
What is your typical response when dealing with rejection?

Today, sit alone and praise the LORD. Praise until praise generates more praise.

Power Verses:
Psalm 7:17, "I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High."

Psalm 21:13, "Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength! We will sing and praise Your power."

Tuesday, Aug 6, 2013 - Daily Encouragement

AM - Devotion

Aug 6, 2013
Exercise: Ran 4 miles

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6 (NIV)

It was well into the second quarter of the high school basketball game when the senior captain of the home team showed up late.

Just that morning his mother unexpectedly passed away from a sudden hemorrhage. She'd been in remission after a five-year fight with cervical cancer when she took the fatal turn.

Some of the team had been at the hospital with their grieving friend. Although they had an important game that night, the guys wanted to cancel it. Brokenhearted, the senior captain encouraged the team to play.

You can imagine everyone's surprise when this young man came out to root for his team.

His coach asked him if he wanted to sit on the bench with his teammates.

"No," he replied. "I want to play."

Game rules prevented anyone not on the pre-game roster to play unless the opposing team was granted a technical foul that would give them two free throws. It was a tight game, but his coach willingly traded the points to comfort his player.

But that is not where the compassion stopped.

The other coach wasn't interested in the free throws. He wanted to let the brokenhearted player just play. With no penalties. This coach and the referees argued over the rules until the referees won with, "Rules will not be broken."

So, after a brief conversation with his coach, the visiting team's senior captain took his place on the free throw line.

Giving his coach an understanding nod, he dribbled the ball and threw it two feet. The crowd stared in wonder as the ball rolled off the court. The second free throw landed at his feet. He had purposefully missed guaranteed points.

This gesture of sportsmanship ignited a standing ovation. Applause roared throughout the gym. The crowd witnessed a rare act of kindness birthed out of the goodness of the visiting coach and captain's hearts.

We don't often hear about people taking hold of opportunities to demonstrate such graciousness. But every day we can see God's goodness if we simply take the time. Psalm 23:6 tells us that "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Before the brokenhearted player even arrived at the game, God's goodness followed him, ready to show up when he needed it most. Goodness tapped two coaches on the shoulders. Goodness whispered in the hearts of a group of teenagers.

God's goodness is here for us as well. We find it in His daily care and love, especially in times of hardship. But we have to "get in the game" to see it. If we're checked out of life, not spending time in prayer, or not actively seeking to recognize God's goodness, we'll miss it. True, His goodness might not always seem as evident as a team opting out of free points in a basketball game, but God's goodness is all around us.

Could His kindness and love be the encouraging word or hug from a friend? Perhaps it's peace that comes unexpectedly. Or maybe it's the conversation with the grocery store clerk that brought a smile to your face.

This young man who lost his mother probably had no idea how he was going to ease the pain that surrounded him. You may be wondering that very thing as well. This is why God promises, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). God wants to be closer to you than the pain. One way He does this is by following you with His goodness and showing up through the hands and hearts of others.

I cannot tell you who won the last Super Bowl. I don't know who the Major League's MVP is. There's no way I can spout off the NBA lineup. What I can tell you about is the day God's goodness followed a crushed young man into a gymnasium during a high school basketball game in Milwaukee and made His goodness known. I can tell you he played the rest of the game, scoring ten points that led to his team's victory.

But most importantly, I can tell you that God's goodness is following you. Will you get in the game and look for it?

Dear Lord, I praise You for Your goodness. Open my eyes that I will fully see Your marvelous ways. Amen.

Related Resources:
Each day we get to share encouragement and help women see God's goodness through our FREE devotions. Recently a reader named Sue shared: "I was in a very dry season and didn't know where I fit into Gods plan. After reading these devotions, I know I can trust Him to bring me through this desert."

Although our devotions are FREE to others, it costs us over $70,000 a year to develop and distribute them each day to over half a million women around the world. Will you partner with us through a financial gift that will make a lasting impact? Click here to find out more!

For more encouragement and a special prayer, visit Sheila Mangum's blog by clicking here.

Reflect and Respond:
God's goodness is following you and wants to be closer to you than the pain. Look for His goodness to show up for you.

Who will you demonstrate God's goodness to today? How?

Power Verse:
Psalm 3:3, "But you are a shield around me, O LORD, you bestow glory on me and lift up my head."

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - Over looking an offense

PM Devotion

Exercise - Not sure yet ??

July 31, 2013 Overlooking an Offense Wendy Blight

"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 (NIV 1984)

What did she mean by that? Why does she always hurt my feelings? Why does she treat me that way? I didn't realize these words played through my head on a continual basis until my daughter pointed it out.

She ended many of our conversations with, "Why do you get your feelings hurt so easily?" Or, "Mom, you're so sensitive."

At first, her words angered me. But over time, I began to hear what she was saying.

For years, I allowed people's words to hurt my feelings. In turn, I harbored anger for those words. The anger took root. Satan fed the words to me over and over again. I re-played them in my mind. Each time the anger grew deeper roots.

Listening to a sermon in church, I would think, "I wish ______ was here. She really needs to hear this!" Of course, the sermon by-passed my heart all together.

Without realizing it, the words of others consumed my thoughts and focus and stole my time. About this time, God called me to teach a Bible study on the book of Proverbs. I spent days and weeks absorbed in this amazing book of wisdom.

One afternoon, this verse leapt off the page and into my heart, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). I had a choice. Up until then, I heard people's words, jumped to a conclusion and chose to be offended.

But through His Word, God gently corrected me. I sensed Him saying that I can choose to look past people's words and not receive them with an offended heart. I discovered that I needed to LISTEN objectively and ask: What is driving their words? Do they have a valid point? Do they have a deep hurt? Or do they need something I am not giving?

The responsibility was on me to stop the words from taking root in my heart. When I accepted this, my attitude changed. Yes, it took time, and I am a work in progress. But now when someone speaks a hurtful word, I check it before letting it take residence in my mind. I hear the words, recognize my issue, and speak Truth over my heart. I literally say, "It is to my glory to not receive this as an offense."

Everyone wins because I don't ruin the rest of the day by pouting, making it all about me, or soaking in self-pity. Each time I make this choice, I sense God is pleased as I honor Him by choosing NOT to be offended.

Heavenly Father, thank You that I am created in Your image. Thank You that I find my identity in You. Thank You that it is only Your Word and Your opinion that matter. Lord, give me Your ears to hear. Help me not to be easily offended and easily angered. Help me lay down any offenses to which I am currently holding. Let me live in the freedom of Your love and forgiveness. Help me live not in my flesh, but supernaturally in the fullness and freshness of Your Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight

Check out Wendy's study of the book of Proverbs, All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God's Wisdom in Everyday Life (eBook).

Stop by Wendy's blog and leave your thoughts about today's devotional for a chance to win a copy of her newest book coming out in March 2014, Living So That: Making Faith-Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life.

Reflect and Respond:
Read 1 John 1:8-10 and reflect on its meaning in relation to this devotion.

Over the next week, listen to your conversations and note if you are easily offended.

Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:26-27, "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (NIV 1984)

Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (NIV 1984)

July 16, 2013 - When you hanging on by a thread

AM - Devotion/ Prayer

Exercise:  Last Night: Planet Fitness 30 min Circuit and 12 min Ab
6 am - Jogged 4 miiles at Garfiled Park

July 16, 2013 When You're Hanging on by a Thread Micca Campbell

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19 (NIV)

I have a dear friend whose husband didn't want to be married anymore. Sure, she knew there were problems in their relationship, but this devastating news blindsided her. We prayed together. She sought counseling and even invited her husband along. Still, no matter her attempts to save her marriage, it was falling apart.

I've never seen her so helpless, so troubled, so lost. She was hanging on by a thread. I understand the darkness she was in and know the weakness and heart-wrenching pain because I've been there. Most of us have experienced terrible news that took us by surprise and left us hanging on by a thread.

Perhaps you're there now. You may be experiencing a broken relationship. Maybe you need to be saved from some addiction or financial trouble. Whatever the case, you feel alone, scared and weak. Your situation is hard, wrenching and painful. You're losing your grip on faith.

I could tell that my friend was losing her grip on her spiritual foundation. In her deep despair, all she had was a thread of hope to hang on to. What was that hope? It is the promise of God found in Psalm 34:19, "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all."

Such was the case of Rahab, a prostitute whose story is told in the Bible. Rahab owned an inn near the city gate of Jericho, the city soon to be conquered by the Israelites.

Rahab had heard about God's greatness and had come to believe He was the one true God. So she hid the two Israeli spies that Joshua, the commander of the Israelite army, had sent on a scouting mission into Jericho.

The king of Jericho heard that the spies had been at Rahab's home, so he sent orders for her to turn them over. When the king's soldiers questioned her of the whereabouts of the spies, Rahab misguided the soldiers and sent them on a wild goose chase after the spies whom she had actually hidden on her roof.

Once the soldiers were gone, Rahab asked the spies to save her and her household. She promised to keep silent about their mission if they would spare her family when the Israelites invaded the city of Jericho. The spies told her to hang a scarlet cord from her window as a sign to the Jews to protect her.

Rahab obeyed and when the walls of Jericho fell, Rahab's life, and all those in her household, hung by the thread of hope that the spies would keep their word.

They did, and she and her family were spared from the destruction when the walls of Jericho crumbled. Her household was passed over. Protected. Delivered.

Like Rahab, the only thing my friend had between herself and total destruction was a thin thread of hope. It proved to be enough. Although her marriage came tumbling down, she was saved from total destruction. When all was said and done, she still had the love of God, the hope He offers and the peace He gives.

Each of us needs a thread of hope—a reminder that just as Joshua saved Rahab, God can save each of us. He may or may not change our circumstances, but He can protect us from being taken under the falling rubble that surrounds us.

He is there when we're hanging on by a thread. Even at our weakest point, a simple cry such as, "Lord, help me" invites the hand of God to take hold of our situation. And deliver us.

Dear Lord, thank You that Your salvation is far reaching. It not only takes away my sin and provides eternal life, but also it helps me for today. Help me, Lord, as I throw to You a thin thread of hope. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
If you're hanging by a thread, visit Micca Campbell's blog for prayer, to pray for someone or to share your scarlet thread.

An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell

At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we pray every day with women who are hanging on by a thread. Recently, Diane called our office and shared her plans to commit suicide. By the grace of God, she allowed us to pray with her and she chose to continue living and to get help. Would you partner with us in reaching women like Diane?

Simply text MINISTRY to 50555 to give $10 to PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES today. {When prompted, reply with YES to confirm your donation.}

When you TEXT to GIVE a $10.00 donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries, charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy.

Reflect and Respond:
In what ways can you put up a thread of hope as an indication to God that you need Him to save you?

Power Verse:
Psalms 145:18, "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." (NIV)

Friday, June 12, 2013 - Daily Encouragement

AM/PM Devotion

Prayer - Daily Encouragement

Workout: Lunch - Weights - Lower Body/Abs

July 12, 2013 Healing Your Marriage Stephanie Clayton "Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.'" John 4:10 (NIV) I try so hard, and for what? I get nothing in return. Things will never change. I have been praying for years. I'm ready to give up. Maybe I just married the wrong person. Why do I have to stay in a marriage when I am miserable? I just want him to notice me ... These are the cries of a burned out, emotionally drained wife. How do I know? Because I have been there. The first eight years of my marriage were rough. My husband and I were young and had a difficult time making decisions and just doing life together. He wanted one thing and I wanted another. Would we ever see eye-to-eye? Would he be able to meet my needs? Desperately desiring happiness, I began to resent him rather than dealing with the actual root of my sadness and lack of fulfillment ... which was my past. I entered our marriage with a great deal of hurt from my past that I refused to deal with. Unrealistically, I expected when I got married, this hurt would disappear. But it didn't. It hung on. And I became bitter toward my husband for not being enough to right the wrongs in my life. But the truth is, it wasn't my husband's responsibility to be my cure-all. Even if he had tried, no one and no thing on earth could have fixed the hurt or filled my emptiness. No, I had to find my healing and hope in something else. The answer to my dissatisfaction was found in John 4 in the story of another unhappy woman. One day this woman, who had been married five times and was now living with another man, went to draw water from a well. There she met Jesus. Seeing clear through her hurt and pain, and recognizing her heart's desire to be loved, Jesus shared this life-changing truth with her: "'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. ... Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst'" (vs. 10, 14a). Jesus invited her into a relationship with Him. Not because He wanted to take the place of any husband or man in her life, but because He wanted to take a higher position within her heart. He offered to be her all-satisfying Savior. Jesus invited this heart-parched woman to drink from Him and be refreshed, cheered, revived, comforted, and so much more. He assured her that in Him, she would never thirst again. So often we look to our husbands (or other people, positions, or possessions) with unrealistic expectations, wanting them to offer what only Christ can: perfect healing, unending love, and sufficient validation. But every marriage has its seasons. There will be times when you feel deeply fulfilled, and there will be times you may feel stark, barren and empty. That is why it is important to look to Christ alone for your value and fulfillment. He is your only Savior. How do you do this? Get to know Him, just like you did your husband when you were dating! Study the Bible, pray and spend time alone with God daily. Replace thoughts of unworthiness, doubt or belittling with truth you find in Scripture. With time, God healed our marriage. It took me going to counseling to deal with my past and a godly man to mentor my husband. As we began to find personal satisfaction in our individual relationships with Christ, we simultaneously began to grow closer to each other. The first step to restoring our marriage, though, was accepting the Lord's exclusive invitation to drink the water only He provides. Will you accept it today too? He's offering you living water. Let's drink deep and allow the healing to begin. Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to have a relationship with me. Help me seek Him and find my satisfaction in Him alone. As that happens, please heal me and my marriage. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Related Resources: Visit Stephanie Clayton's blog for more encouragement! A Confident Heart by Renee Swope will help you find the soul-satisfying love and assurance your heart longs for! We hear from women around the world that God uses our daily devotion to draw them closer to Himself. One reader wrote, "I got up this morning with a heavy and discouraged heart, dwelling on past hurts, failures and frustrations. As I sat down to have coffee with God, I was lead to this devotional. Talk about putting it all in perspective! My heart has done a 180 turn. Praise God!" Will you partner with us to bring life-giving truth to over 500,000 women daily through our devotions? Simply text MINISTRY to 50555 to give $10 to PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIEStoday. {When prompted, reply with YES to confirm your donation.} When you TEXT to GIVE a $10.00 donation to Proverbs 31 Ministries, charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy. Reflect and Respond: Take an honest assessment: do you expect your husband to make the pain from your past better, to fulfill you and to be your source of happiness? Take time today to get to know Jesus by studying Scripture and praying. Power Verse: Isaiah 55:1, "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price." (ESV) © 2013 by Stephanie Clayton. All rights reserved. Proverbs 31 Ministries 630 Team Rd., Suite 100 Matthews, NC 28105 www.Proverbs31.org

Friday, June 28, 2013 - Daily Encouragement

AM Devotion/Prayer

Exercise: Cardio, Lower Body

June 28, 2013 When You Need Help Tracie Miles

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." John 14:26 (ESV)

Perhaps I was over-confident in my abilities. I thought all I'd need was a little help with the basics. But before the day was over I realized how wrong that thought process was. Especially when the day ended in frustrated tears.

It was my first time snow skiing, so my friend assured me that when the time came, he would help teach me how to make it down the slopes.

Somehow that instruction never happened, and before I knew it, my friend was quickly gliding down the freshly fallen snow while I stood gripping my poles and planting my skis deeply into the snow. As I watched him get smaller in the distance, I realized my helper was gone. Suddenly I was faced with a choice: turn back and take off my skis or get down the mountain alone.

It didn't take long for me to realize I made the wrong choice. Every time I managed to dig myself out of a mound of wet snow, I'd find myself face-first again in a jumble of skis and snowflakes. I was exasperated by my lack of coordination and vowed to never ski again. No matter how many times I tried to do it on my own, I still desperately needed someone to teach me and guide the way.

My challenging experience on that mountain reminds me of the conversation Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion recorded in John chapter 14. Jesus explained that although He had to leave, God would send a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to be with them always. Unlike my ski instructor who bailed on me, the Holy Spirit would never leave them alone.

Jesus knew the disciples might soon forget all the lessons He'd taught them. That's why He promised the Holy Spirit would remain with them to help them recall all that He had taught. Jesus understood that life would get messy, challenges would arise, persecution would come, and temptation would cross their paths.

Jesus knew they would need a Helper to make it through the trials of everyday life, and He promised that the Holy Spirit would always be with them to help.

The Holy Spirit is always ready to help us too, if only we remember to ask. The problem is, it's easy to forget to seek His help, not only in difficult decisions or circumstances, but also in small trials and decisions we face every day.

In the same way learning to ski requires the help of someone who has already mastered the skill, learning to walk in faith requires the help of the Holy Spirit who equips us to traverse through life by teaching us what we need to know and helping us recall what we have learned.

After taking a few lessons from a great instructor I finally learned to ski. Now I can make my poles and skis work together to get down the steep hills. I'm thankful for my ski teacher's help.

But as thankful as I am for those skiing lessons, I'm eternally grateful for the Holy Spirit who helps me navigate my way through life.

God knew we would need a Helper. And whether we are on the top of a mountain, or in the deepest pit, the Holy Spirit will never leave us alone. We can count on Him to guide us every step of the way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit to be our Helper. Thank You for always being there for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

Would you like to bring the message of this devotion to the women of your church? Click here to find out more about considering Tracie Miles as your next retreat / keynote speaker.

Visit Tracie's blog for encouragement and tips about how to ask for God's help in times of trouble and learn to depend on Him to guide your steps.

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Reflect and Respond:
What is one thing you have been trying to learn or master on your own without seeking God's help?

Ask the Holy Spirit to be your Helper today in that circumstance. Seek His instruction, guidance and wisdom.

Power Verses:
Psalm 54:4, "Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul." (NAS)

Psalm 30:10, "Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper." (NAS)

© 2013 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.

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