Full Commitment

What does God want us to commit to?  

1 Kings 8:61 - “And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

God wants us to be fully committed to following His guidelines for our lives.   Life’s too short to think partial commitment is good enough... God wants our all.  If we told our spouse that we will be faithful 80% of the time...that wouldn’t work.  It has to be 100%.  God is worthy of our total commitment to His direction for our lives.  

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

God wants us to be fully committed to moving forward.  Don’t EVER give up... the harvest is on the other side of the hurt.  

What other benefits come from full-on commitment to God?

REWARD - “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”  2 Chronicles 15:7

SUCCESS - “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:3

JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS - “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.”  Psalm 37:5-6

AN AMAZING LIFE! - “Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.”  James 1:12

I challenge you today...

Be bold.

Dive in.

Trust God.

Persevere.

Commit to loving Jesus more.

Commit to loving others more.

Resist the temptation to compromise, fold, back down, stay silent, or be lukewarm.

You can do it... I’ll be praying for you as you do.  

Stopping Early

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Cor. 10:12-13

“The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.” - Thomas Merton

In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul writes about something many of us deal with. He says that the temptations we face, while common to everyone, are not unbeatable. In fact, he says that God will “not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” I love that! No matter what temptation the enemy throws our way to stop.. God will give us “a way out so that [we] can endure” The devil puts up stop signs, detours, and red lights... and Jesus reminds us that we have His GPS. He simply re-routes us around the obstacles and keeps us on the road to our God-potential.

So the question is... what tempts you to quit? Does it seem like there’s no hope? Are you struggling to think you’re worthy enough for God to use you? I have some encouragement for you. We’ve all felt that way from time to time. Today’s verse tells us that when we have these feelings, God will give us the wisdom, the strength, and the nudge to keep going and escape the temptation. He wants us to persevere because He loves us so very much. I’ll be praying that when you feel tempted to stop...or believe what others say about you... or doubt that you can do it... or hear the limiting lies of the devil... that you would remember that you aren’t alone. God is with you!

Quitting Early

It was a fog-shrouded morning, July 4, 1952, when a young woman named Florence Chadwick waded into the water off Catalina Island. She intended to swim the channel from the island to the California coast. Long-distance swimming was not new to her; she had been the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions.

The water was numbingly cold that day. The fog was so thick she could hardly see the boats in her party. Several times sharks had to be driven away with rifle fire. She swam more than 15 hours before she asked to be taken out of the water. Her trainer tried to encourage her to swim on since they were so close to land, but when Florence looked, all she saw was fog. So she quit...only one-mile from her goal.  Later she said, "I’m not excusing myself, but if I could have seen the land I might have made it."

So close... but Florence quit early. 

Over 2000 years ago, Jesus’ disciples were ready to quit too.  Their leader had been crucified and placed in a tomb... and in their minds it was over.  

Might as well stop swimming.

Jesus had disappeared into the fog of an unmet promise.

Death had won.

Time to quit.

Or so they thought.

The Bible says it this way:

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.  As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!  Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’ Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’”  John 20:19-23

Can’t you just see it.  Jesus’ own trusted men... huddled together trying to figure out their next move.   They were convinced that the One they’d put their trust in wasn’t who He promised He was.   What would they do now?  Can’t go back to fishing, tent making, tax collecting and the like... too risky.  What if somebody remembered they’d hung out with Jesus.  Surely they’d be captured and killed. The fog had rolled in.  They could no longer see what was coming and they were scared.  Time to pack it in and give up... 

Ever felt like that?  Have you wanted to quit because you weren’t sure of the future?  Many of us have.  We feel like the situation we’re in is hopeless, helpless, and over.  Where’s God?  Why isn’t the change coming?  Why won’t the situation improve?  

The disciples thought the same thing.  Jesus heard them... He knew His men were frightened so He showed up inside the room.  

“Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.”

Notice what Jesus did first.  He calmed them.  His first words back could have scolded them for their fear... corrected them in their doubt... or been upset with them because of their lack of faith.  Instead, Jesus enters the room with affirmation and comfort...

Peace be with you.  

Terror became thankfulness... cynicism gave way to celebration!

Today...when you want to quit... read those words above again.  Peace be with you.  

Those four words mean so much.  Jesus tells his disciples (and us)... don’t worry, don’t fear, don’t fret, don’t cry, don’t wonder... and most importantly...Don’t quit.  Jesus is right there with you.  You may not see Him in the uncertainties of life... but He’s there.  

Are these words for you today?  Feeling lost in the fog with no idea what’s coming?  Don’t quit.  Don’t stop swimming.  Jesus is there.  The Prince of Peace came back from the dead so that you and I would live triumphant lives... persevering through whatever holds us back from becoming who we were created to be.   Even when it feels like you are just treading water... you aren’t drowning.  Jesus won’t allow that.  

Look up... see His face in the room... experience His peace.... and swim on. 

You’ve got Him... so you’ve got this.

Five Promises

“She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.  And Abraham named their son Isaac. Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.”  Genesis 21:2-5

“Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials.  So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?”  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are.  You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”

  Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and placed it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing and hung a gold chain around his neck. Then he had Joseph ride in the chariot reserved for his second-in-command. And wherever Joseph went, the command was shouted, “Kneel down!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of all Egypt. And Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without your approval.”  Genesis 41:37-44

“When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the LORD had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.

  So the LORD blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.”  Job 42:10-12a

“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

  “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
      as you have promised.
 I have seen your salvation,
     which you have prepared for all people.
  He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
      and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

  Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”  Luke 2:25-35

 “I will never fail you. 

      I will never abandon you.”  Hebrews 13:5b

Five verses.  Different stories and different situations... but there is one consistent theme running through all of them.  Did you find it?

If you need to, go back and re-read them.  See if you can spot what all 5 have in common.  

-------------------------------

Each of these verses reveal that God keeps His promises.  

Sarah gave birth as an elderly woman.

Joseph became leader of Egypt 

Job endured the devil’s trials.

Simeon saw the new-born Savior that would bring salvation.

And then there’s that last one...

That last promise is one of many He made to you.  The same God who came through in each of these verses is going to be there for you.  

God will never fail you.

God will never abandon you.

He promises.... and God always keeps His promises.

Today... live as though you weren’t doing it alone.  Because you aren’t.  God is with you every step of the way.  

He promises.

Mine

Do you know anyone who struggles with selfishness?  Most of us do.  It could be a friend, family member, boss, colleague, or reflection in our mirror... It isn’t something we’ll readily confess to but once it takes root... it’s VERY hard to break free from.

Pastor Bill Hybels (of Willow Creek Community Church) describes a disturbing trend of many in our society:  

"It is a "me-first” mind-set. This mind-set says indulge yourself, fulfill your desires, satiate your appetites, pursue pleasure, take off all restraints. As much as we might want to pretend that this value system died in the eighties, let’s be honest: it is alive and still thriving.

With this mind-set comes an elusive promise: If you seek first your own good and satisfy your own desires, then you will be happy. In print, on television, and in the movies, over and over we hear the lie. The road to contentment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and true joy is marked with a street sign flashing "Me First." ... People are pathologically self-centered and ignore the needs of others.  The "me-first" mind-set is controlling many lives, even the lives of those who call themselves followers of Christ."

The Bible talks about the dangers of selfishness.

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”  James 3:16

Evil of every kind.  Greed.  Love of money.  Pride.  Ungratefulness.  A hardened heart.  All symptoms of putting ourselves first.   It’s a tough pattern to break.  The enemy will convince us that it isn’t selfishness... 

It’s self-preservation

Getting what’s “ours”

If we don’t look out for us, who will?

Keeping it “fair”

We earned it.  We deserve it.  Right?

As always, God’s word tells us the truth.  Throughout scripture we are told that holding on too tightly to what we think is ours only causes problems.  Our lives fall into depression, we covet, feel envious, less complete, and emotionally uneven.  The desire not to share causes and reveals deep trust issues... that somehow if we hold on tighter, we’ll have more. 

Problem is, our hands are so full of our stuff...there’s no way to catch the blessings that God wants to give us.  So how do we defeat selfishness?  

Give.

“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9

Generosity is the key.  Hold onto what matters tightly... your relationship with God, your family, your health...   Everything else can be given away.  Serve the poor.  Leverage your possessions.  Give with cheerful intentionality.  When we release ourselves to be generous... we unchain the anchor of “more” and replace it with a good night’s rest.   More importantly, we are reminded that what we have really isn’t ours... it’s on loan from God... so that we can change the world for Christ with it.  

Only you know if you have let the weed of selfishness grow in your heart.   If so, take some time to today and pray over it...asking God to help you make the challenging but necessary changes.  I’ll be praying too.

Willpower?

It has been said, ““Using willpower to overcome worldly seduction is like telling a man who has gone without water for three days to control himself and quit being thirsty...”

Just quit thinking about it.   Yeah right.

Just don’t feel that way anymore.  Uh huh.

Just stay away from that person.  Easier said than done.

Worse part about seduction?  Nobody is immune.  All of us, if we’re not careful, can get caught in the “trap” that today’s verse talks about.  It’s not just sexual either... seduction comes in many forms.  It is everywhere...  and sometimes we don’t see it coming.  People, ideas, or feelings... all slowly draw us into a life that God never intended for us to live.  The enemy prowls like a lion waiting to find out what appeals to us and slyly provides an avenue for those things to play out.

Late night inappropriate websites... gossip-filled conversations... overeating... overthinking... traps and snares...

How can we avoid it?

Let’s look at today’s verse;

“While I was at the window of my house,    
   looking through the curtain,
I saw some naive young men,      
   and one in particular who lacked common sense.
He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,    
   strolling down the path by her house.
It was at twilight, in the evening,
   as deep darkness fell.
The woman approached him,
   seductively dressed and sly of heart.

So she seduced him with her pretty speech
  and enticed him with her flattery.
He followed her at once,      
    like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,    
    awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.  
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
    little knowing it would cost him his life.

So listen to me, my sons,
      and pay attention to my words.
Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
      Don’t wander down her wayward path.
For she has been the ruin of many;
      many men have been her victims.
 Her house is the road to the grave.
      Her bedroom is the den of death.”
                                       Proverbs 7:6-10 and 21-27

How to avoid temptation?

1)  “so listen to me...”  -  Listen to God... He says that you will never face a temptation that you won’t have the strength to avoid

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”  1 Cor. 10:13

2) “pay attention to my words” - Don’t just read scripture... live it out!  There is a blessing in it for you!

“Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”  Luke 11:28

3) “Don’t let your hearts stray toward her.” - Don’t think about just the moment of pleasure.  What you are about to do has long term consequences... your health, your marriage, and your reputation are at stake.  Quick decisions can lead to long-lasting trouble.

“The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.”  Proverbs 14:16

4) “Don’t wander down her wayward path.” - Seduction starts a road that often ends in embarrassment, ruin, shame, destruction, and guilt.  It looks pretty at the start but often ends up in total darkness

“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”  Matthew 7:14

You CAN avoid the swamp of seduction... I’ll be praying for you as we partner together to be more like Christ and reach the potential for which we were created.

Making a Choice

    We’ve all faced them.... You are standing in line at Universal Studios and the sign says “Children 9 and younger” get in at a reduced price.  Your daughter just turned 10.  What do you do?  It’s the middle of the night and you pull up to a red light.  You look left, right... nobody.   In fact, there are no headlights to be found anywhere...other than yours.  What do you do?  Run the light or stay put?  Too much change at a convenience store?   An extra zero on your tax return?   

     Our reputation is based on choices such as these.  What may seem like small decisions here or there actually determine many things.  How do we see ourselves?  Are we comfortable with past choices, our morality, or our closeness to God based on what we’ve decided in the past?  How do others see us?  What is our reputation around people that we partner with throughout the day?  Do we set the example... or are we swayed by the popular or selfish thing to do?

Scripture talks about this in the book of Daniel… 

“Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:

   “Peace and prosperity to you!

“I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel.

   For he is the living God,
      and he will endure forever.
   His kingdom will never be destroyed,
      and his rule will never end.”   -  Daniel 6:25-26

Daniel was an advisor to King Darius of the Persians and had an airtight reputation.  Many of the nobles under the king spent a lot of time trying to find flaws in Daniel’s decision making... did he ever compromise what he knew to be right?  Was he disloyal?  Was he reflecting his God or himself?  Did he make the right decision regardless of the cost or did he sell out to selfishness?  They were convinced that Daniel’s reputation couldn’t be that spotless... 

But it was. In fact, King Darius was so impressed with Daniel that he declared to all of his people that they should serve Daniel’s God!  Daniel’s reputation for doing the right thing at all times reflected God’s character!   His choices weren’t always easy...and they cost him in many ways... but he knew that to be a person who honored God, he had to do so in all areas of his life.  You will have many decisions today... and many chances to reflect God in the way you handle them.  Tread with wisdom.  What you choose to do in the small things adds up...and the way others see you (and God) is affected.  

Following Directions

An old sailor repeatedly got lost at sea, so his friends gave him a compass and urged him to use it. The next time he went out in his boat, he followed their advice and took the compass with him. But as usual he became hopelessly confused and was unable to find land. Finally, he was once again rescued by his friends.  Disgusted and impatient with him, they asked, "Why didn’t you use that compass we gave you? You could have saved us a lot of trouble!"  The sailor responded: "I didn’t dare to! I wanted to go north, but as hard as I tried to make the needle aim in that direction, it just kept on pointing southeast." 

That old sailor was so certain he knew which way was north, that he stubbornly tried to force his own personal persuasion on his compass. As a result he was unable to benefit from the guidance it offered. 

Sometimes our life gets off course... and we are in desperate need of direction.

So many ask for it.  So few accept the answers they receive. 

The Bible talks about this type of person:

“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”  James 1:22

I talk to so many who listen to what we teach at Potential Church... read God’s word for further confirmation... and when it comes time to make the decision, decide to go a completely different direction.  

Many blame God for not stepping in and helping... providing no insight or course of action for them.  Not true.  It isn’t God’s unwillingness to lead.. it’s our unwillingness to follow.  

Far too often we know the truth.  We know the way to go.  We understand what God wants us to do. But we don’t want to follow it because it isn’t convenient, easy, or popular.

God has our best interests in mind.  He knows what’s best for us and provides a way for us to live our lives filled with blessings and joy.  Sure there are challenges, but by seeking and following His guidance... He leads us through and strengthens us in the process.

God’s word is our compass.  It is always the right way to go.  When we follow it, we stay on course.  When we alter from His direction, we find our lives detached and adrift from His purposes.  North is north and God’s Word will always be the absolute truth.  Feeling lost today?  Not sure which way to turn?  Seek His solution and be bold enough to follow it.  I promise that when you do... where you end up will be the exact right place.

Paul's Secret

To those that struggle with contentment... there will never be enough.  It will always lie one arms length beyond their ability to sleep at night.   Those that live in this camp wonder when the next one will be and never cherish what is.  Their entire existence is based on what they might miss out on by not having more. 

Today’s verses help with this.  

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”  1 Timothy 6:6

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”   Philippians 4:11 (Paul)

Godliness with contentment, Paul says, is of great value.  In fact, he goes on to tell the churches in Philipi that he has “learned how to be content with whatever I have.” [sic].  

What was Paul’s secret?  What helped him move from greedy to grateful?  It’s simple.  Perspective.  Paul saw that his needs were met and that was enough.  He probably had wants...things that he’d like to have in his life... but he realized that these were superfluous to his mission.   Paul was sent to spread the Gospel... and help those around him find Christ as Lord.  He knew that God would provide whatever he needed to fulfill his calling.  

What’s your calling?  To grow, learn, love, support, partner, develop, share Christ, and become the person God created you to be?  Great!  I promise you… to do all of those things.. God will give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it.  All the other stuff that ties up your heart in the bonds of dissatisfaction are unnecessary… and only lead to stress, sadness, and the false feeling that you are missing out on something.  

Ready to move from greedy to grateful?  From wanting to worshiping?   From pouting to praise?  Make the commitment today to do so.   It won’t take long before you realize that Paul had it right… It’s not about having stuff…it’s about knowing it’s enough.  And thanking God for his graciousness in allowing us to hold onto it for awhile.  

Covering Up

Humanity has a long history of wearing a mask.

Adam did it. 

“Then the Lord God called to the man [Adam], ‘Where are you?’

He replied, ‘I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.’”  Genesis 3:9-10

The disciples did it. 

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.”  John 20:19a

Adam wore a mask to hide from his sin... 

The disciples wore one because their faith was challenged...and they locked themselves inside a room for safety after Christ was crucified.  Hiding in fear... worried.

Why hide?  Why wear a mask? Why do any of us?

Alcoholics Anonymous has a famous saying that says “We are as sick as our secrets”... and they might be right.  So many of us are sick... withering under the blistering heat of regret, self-doubt, worry, and a shameful past.  We put our masks on years ago and they have become part of us... feeling irremovable... seemingly permanent... 

Want to know if you’re wearing one?  When asked, “How are you?”...  Have you ever replied...

“I’m alright” (but you aren’t)

“It doesn’t hurt” (oh, but it does...)

“I deserve to be treated that way”  (I guess I don’t deserve better)

“It’s just the way he is” (What would he say if I confronted him?)

“I’ve grown to just put up with her” (All these years... I haven’t been able to change her)

Everything ok?  

We say “yes” with a lump in our throat and our heart broken.

Why?  What is the point of wearing a mask?  

Good question.  Maybe a better one is... “How do we take the mask off?”

How can we live authentically?

How can we go from our masquerade to God’s master plan for our lives?

We can start by asking ourselves these questions:

• Am I accountable to someone other than God?  Does anybody else know what I do?
• Who can freely speak into my life?  How do I take their feedback?
• How insecure am I?  
• Am I happy when I’m away from people because it takes all of my energy to be the person that they think I am?
• What would people think of the real me?

Do I even know the real me anymore?

You don’t have to hide... God says to discover His love... realize how unique and special He made you to be... and live authentically.  

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”  1 Peter 3:3-4

You are precious.  Behind the mask... under the braided hair, the jewelry, the cars, the job, or the stack of bills.  You don’t have to hide anymore.  Let’s get real.  With God.  With ourselves. With our loved ones.  No masks... no shame... no more fake smiles.  

It’s time that the world sees the real you.  And let the real you grow closer to the loving God who put purpose behind every one of your heartbeats.  

Never Changing

Doesn’t it sometimes seem that the only consistent thing we have in the world is change?  Things are always shifting, getting new flavor, realigning position... generally disrupting the everyday “normalness” of our lives.  I once read that the only person who likes change is a baby with a dirty diaper.

  Change is good in some cases.  It helps us grow and stretch, forces us to see life differently, and allows us to not get too comfortable.  Embracing change helps us to navigate life’s curves better... and if we stay out in front of it... can actually be a blessing rather than a perceived curse.  

But what about our spiritual lives?

What about change when it comes to God?

-  Can I please Him one day and disappoint Him the next (even though I’m doing the exact same thing?)

• Does He still get fired up about the things I read about in the Old Testament?
• Will He love me more if I obey Him?
• Will He get mad at me if I don’t?
• Is the same God who sent the rainbow... the same God who sends them today?
• Does God get mood swings like I do?
• Can something make God weaker?

If you’ve ever asked a question like these... you aren’t alone.  If you’ve ever wondered about God in this way... I have good news for you.

God does NOT change.  His is divinely consistent.  

“I am the Lord, and I do not change.”  Malachi 3:6a

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”  James 1:17

God’s plan does not change.  

“But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
    his intentions can never be shaken.”  Psalm 33:11

He made the world intentionally... and He created you with a consistent purpose.  What happens to you may look different day to day... but what He wants to do through you is the same as when you were born.   Just know... if people have hurt you in the past... if you’ve made bad decisions... if you feel as though you are useless to God... You aren’t.  You were made for a reason and there was no mistake in your blueprint.  You are part of His unchanging and perfect plan for an imperfect world.  

God’s ways do not change

“God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”  Psalm 18:30

Every single promise in scripture is as true for you today as when it was written.  

God promises:

He wants what’s best for you (Jeremiah 29:11)

He will give you rest when you are weary (Matthew 11:28-29)

He will strengthen you when you hurt (Isaiah 40:29-31)

He will give you what you need (Philippians 4:19)

He will always love you (Romans 8:37-39)

He will give you peace (Proverbs 1:33)

He wants you to spend eternity with Him. (Romans 6:23)

These promises from God will never change... and their consistency should bring us joy that the world can never take away.  

God’s commitment never changes

He is committed to you.  Unflinchingly and unapologetically consistent in His dedication to your growth and protection.  

He is committed to your forever.  If you have trusted Christ as Lord... your eternity is secure.  That will never change and it can’t be taken from you.  

He is committed to your growth... He is much more concerned about your character than your comfort... so much in fact that He allows challenging things to happen to you so that you can develop perseverance and stronger faith as a result.  

A lot is going to happen to you today.  Unexpected things.  Other people’s decisions will alter your trajectory and cause you to wonder and worry.  Instead... choose to worship.  Draw closer to God who never varies... who never waivers... who never gets caught by surprise or has no plan.   No matter what changes may come... you can count on His consistency.