People Can Only Do So Much

2 Chronicles 16: ¹² In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.

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Feeling lonely I would frequent the gym. It seemed more bearable when I was around people. I struck up a conversation with some of the guys. We began lifting weights together and one person suggested we go hang out at a bar. Something inside of me said I should not do this because the guy seemed to be doing steroids, but I really wanted to meet people.

The night was going well until the guy started to pick fights and looked at us like we were supposed to jump in.

• Sometimes I join the crowd when I want a solution to my problem.
• Sometimes I join the crown when I want to feel better about my decision.
• Sometimes I join the crowd when I want to do things on my own and in my own time.

Whether it is an ailment or a problem at work, many times I have not sought GOD for HIS deliverance. I think insurance or a physician or the best consultants money can buy will help me out of the situation. BUT GOD says something quite different.

• “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart and you shall find rest unto your soul” is what GOD says to me.
• “Turn to ME” is what GOD says to me.
• “I AM a jealous GOD” is what GOD exclaims to me.

GOD is jealous not selfish. HE wants me to seek HIM for even the tiniest problem and trust that HE has the best in mind for me. All blessings flow from HIM and my efforts to circumvent HIS timing and methods will always fail. GOD is excited to help me grow into the being HE created.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you despise the timing and length of your pain?
• Can you hold on instead of giving up?
• Can you find GOD and pray to HIM for even the tiniest items today?
• Will you add “trust in the LORD’ to your plan today?

How healthy am I?

1 Timothy 4: ⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.

¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

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Treacherous was the description of the road as I tooled along at fifteen miles per hour. Snow blowing thwarted my visibility but I was determined to get there. When I arrived I breathed a sigh of relief. I could lift weights in peace because I had the whole gym to myself.

The bodybuilding competition was coming up in a few months and I wanted to be ready. Besides, I could miss church if I worked out too hard.

• Sometimes I put my ambitions in the wrong place.
• Sometimes I place my ambitions higher than the prime objective.
• Sometimes I put my ambitions first and other things fall somewhere down the list.

Health concerns are good. I should rest, eat right and exercise as much as possible, but all these things won’t amount to much if my spirit is not healthy. I mean if I am lazy in my service to GOD then my spirit can get sick and out of shape.

• GOD wants me to take time to speak with HIM to build my faith muscles.
• GOD wants me to take time to read about HIM to build my perseverance and joy muscles.
• GOD wants me to take time to serve others for HIM to build my generosity and love muscles.

It actually requires a conscience effort to pay attention to GOD. I can get so wrapped up in trying to accomplish something that I forget why I’m here in the first place. GOD put me here to be HIS. The more training I do the easier it is to “be” the person HE wants me to be.

• Are you training yourself for GOD?
• Can GOD use a little of your life today?
• Won’t you set some of your ambition aside and focus on what GOD would want you to do?