Recently, I received an e-mail that helped give the “push” I needed to pursue something. It was from a daily devotional by Rick Warren (author of “The Purpose Driven Life”) and you may find it worthwhile and helpful, too:
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“Let the Spirit change your way of thinking.” (Ephesians 4:23 CEV)
Throughout the Bible, we see an important truth illustrated over and over: The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith.
When Joshua was faced with an impassible barrier, the floodwaters of the Jordan River receded only after the leaders stepped into the rushing current in obedience and faith. Obedience unlocks God’s power.
God waits for you to act first. Don’t wait to feel powerful or confident. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears and feelings. This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and it is how your character develops.
While effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth. At least eight times in the New Testament we are told to “make every effort” in our growth toward becoming like Jesus (Luke 13:24; Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Peter 3:14).
Talk About It
“God waits for you to act first.” What step can you take today that will move you forward in spite of your fears and feelings?
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Here are a few images that reinforce these words:
Image pulled from: http://blog.beliefnet.com/blissblog/2012/07/the-first-step.html
Check out the awesome article that corresponds with these two images: http://alisoleil.com/2012/06/are-you-ready-to-live-in-abundance/
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