Only Believe

I’m amazed at how easily I can believe a lie and at the same time, struggle to accept the truth. My parents said I was smart and could be the best at anything I wanted to be. Others said I was dumb and didn’t have a chance. True or not, whatever I chose to believe would shape my actions. Whatever greatness I could achieve wouldn’t be worth anything without God. That presented a problem, because I’d never have the ability to do whatever he expected. Then I found out I was highly qualified because I was so weak and helpless, needing him.

God uses what the world regards as foolishness to embarrass those who think they are so smart. Through our weaknesses, he will do mighty things that confound those who hold positions of power. — 1 Corinthians 1:27

Ten Thoughts to Ponder

1. I have no choice when I tell myself I have no choice—and I believe it.
2. I won’t pick up a penny if I don’t think it is worth my effort.
3. To help the helpless, I need God’s help.
4. If I love the Lord and desire whatever he wants, no matter the cost, then I have nothing to worry about.
5. If I want to know, I have no choice but to look.
6. My actions create circumstances, and circumstances create my reactions.
7. To avoid being late, I must be early.
8. Urgency can interrupt my urgency so much that I hardly notice what is important.
9. Little changes make big differences.
10. When urgencies become emergencies, patience is hard to find.

Questions for Further Thought

• How can we know that our beliefs are based on fact, not fantasy?
• In pursuit of what we believe God would have us do, what should we think about the obstacles we face?