This morning I found myself focusing on what I don’t have.
I hate it when I do that.
I have been given so much. Yet it is in my human (sinful) nature to focus on what I don’t have, rather than to count my blessings.
Do you ever do that? Start thinking about an opportunity that hasn’t come your way, places you haven’t visited because you don’t have the money, a certain measure of success you haven’t yet attained, or a relationship or position in life you don’t yet have? And in the process you forget all that you do have?
Jesus said:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
You and I do have life to the full when we focus on what God has given us – gifts in the spiritual realm that can help us through the physical realm
So, for the next several weeks, I want to focus on God’s incredible gifts that God has given to you and me through His Son, Christ Jesus. Gifts you and I can tend to take advantage of, or forget altogether. But gifts, nonetheless, that will help us experience life to the full.
Today, let’s remember God’ s incredible gift of His power.
Scripture says “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,” (2 Timothy 1:7). That means we have His Spirit to help us be bold when we would otherwise be timid, to help us love unconditionally when we otherwise could not, and to help us exert self-control.
And on days you and I feel especially weak, Second Corinthians 12:9 tells us that Christ’s power “is made perfect in weakness.”
Do you know why you and I tend to worry and stress? We forget God’s power. Do you know why we give up when we could otherwise succeed? We forget that He is capable. Do you know why we shrink back when we could be moving forward? We forget that He can do all things.
Why else would we start in with our “what ifs?”
What if I can’t get this done?
What if this bill is not something I can pay?
What if we can’t move beyond this?
Approach this day remembering you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Tackle any project that comes your way knowing God is able to do through you what is beyond you. And remember all that you do have today because you have His power. It is there for the asking.
I loved your last two posts. Great reminders and powerful truths. I have “what if” thoughts too, and at times think about what I don’t have. I need to get better at proclaiming God’s wonderful promises. He is everything we need, and more. Praise God for His grace. I’m thankful for your ministry, your friendship, and the wisdom found in your writing. May the Lord bless you!
Thank you, Amber, for your encouraging words, as always. You are a gift to me. 🙂
Thank you Cindi. What you said is so true. It lifted me and gave me a boost to keep on going, despite whatever the world may throw at me. I am still looking for a job as my last one, we were asked to stand down and wait for the new management to recall us. This was a process of 6 weeks today. In waiting, I was packing my house as my family had decided to move to Australia from Papua New Guinea. I am the only one that does not have citizenship there. So, waiting on a response for my job, moving to another country, you can imagine my mind almost like going into shock mode. A few years ago I gave my life to Jesus and this has made me slow down and I do find peace in my heart and have learned to wait on God’s call for what I am to do next in my life. I know I will see things through but in His time. Thank you for the encouragement and inspirational touch. God Bless.
Rosemond, thank you for your comments. You have a lot going on right now but know that Jesus is going before You and, like you said, He will see you through.
Hi Cindi. I live in Scotland, UK and at nearly 50, I’ve had to agonisingly watch all my friends marry, have babies, get careers, while remaining single, wondering what about me, Lord? Don’t I get a husband too? Well, no, apparently not. And it hurts, and it hurts and it hurts, watching people get blessed with everything I’ve ever wanted.
But then He says, “Can you still love and serve me without those things, husband, children, job?” And I say, yes, of course, Lord. But digging deeper, He asks, “Can you be happy not being married?” Ouch, and ouch again. The answer now is yes, because my joy is made complete in Jesus. And I go to Zumba three times a week and have lost 50-60 lbs. So I feel like a new woman. But being menopausal I get hot flushes, face just flares up and the sweating is terrible, lol. Ah, us poor women, eh? But yes. It’s so much easier to focus on what we dont have, than on what we do have.
Maggie
Thanks, Maggie, for your honesty. I’m glad you’ve found your joy in Him. He knows your heart’s desire, so trust Him with it (Psalm 37:4). And yes, I know well those hot flushes and the terrible sweating! 🙂 I take aerobic classes similar to Zumba 3-4 times a week and the worst part is getting those hot flushes DURING the class! But this, too, shall pass, right? 🙂