Sunday, June 23, 2013

By: Brandon Bilbo

Batteries Not Included

Nehemiah 8:10 "...Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your STRENGTH."

Yesterday's devotion focused on the importance of reading God's Word for instructions on assembling the pieces together in our lives. In addition to the UNDERSTANDING of God's Word, we also need His POWER.

My little boy has several toys that are battery operated. Consequently, he thinks every toy that he picks up is supposed to make sounds, light up or move. AND if it doesn't, he immediately lets us know that the toy is either broken or needs batteries. Explaining to our toddler that his foam bat is neither broken nor powerless is quite the task.

Sometimes in life when we are not functioning as usual or when things are not working out as expected, we immediately think something is broken. Thankfully, there is NOTHING that God can't fix! More than likely though, we are in need of His POWER to function properly.

Isaiah 40:29 reveals that "He gives strength to the weary and increases the POWER of the weak."

When tired or stressed to the max, I've often heard people say things like, "I just can't go anymore. I don't know what's wrong with ME." Nothing is "wrong" with that individual. Stress is a common reaction to the demands of life.

Isaiah 40:30 reveals that "Even YOUTHS grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall." You are not alone if you feel overwhelmed at times, but the answer to your stress and uncertainty is found in verse 31, "but those who hope in the LORD will RENEW their strength..."

As a husband and father, I can easily be overwhelmed by MY ability to meet the bills, provide for my family, and be a good father.

Instead though, the Bible says that God desires to give us peace that "surpasses all understanding." When you have THAT kind of peace, you are able to smile in the face of adversity even if it doesn't make sense to the rest of the world. That doesn't mean that you're giddy all the time but that emotionally the things of this WORLD can't rob you of your joy and STRENGTH.

This supernatural peace comes from spending more and more time with God in prayer and through trusting Him.

I challenge you today to ALWAYS strive to improve your prayer life with God. Through prayer, you WILL be empowered and recharged.

Dear Lord, Thank You for providing strength for me even in my darkest hours. In those times, I can be confident in Your Word and love.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.