Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 10, 2020
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be distressed. Not one of the original beatitudes, but not a bad way to live. Being flexible means having faith to know your heavenly Father is in control. No need to rant and rave, or silently simmer when your Savior Jesus has control of the situation, and often works out a better outcome than was originally expected. If you don’t get what you want, the Holy Spirit may direct you to what He knows is the very best for you. So, stay flexible by placing your faith in the One who loves you most—so you can love others the most.
The Apostle Paul certainly knew the stark contrast of changing circumstances. One minute he was boldly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the next minute he was being run out of town for “stirring up trouble”. The good news of Jesus calls for acceptance or rejection of the Lord—there is no neutral ground. All Paul had accomplished—fame and fortune—was nothing compared to knowing Christ. Changing circumstances were just an excuse to go deeper in his love of Jesus—knowing through Him all things were possible. Flexibility comes from faith.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Are you stressed because of your or someone else’s inflexibility? Remember, humility is to bend but not break, and to be stretched, but not to the point of losing the elasticity of your love and patience. In fact, by being flexible, God is able to make a more beautiful and attractive faith. Those who demand their way get in the way of the Spirit’s work to mold everyone involved to be more like Jesus. Agreeing with another’s agenda is not a sign of weakness, but evidence of trust in God’s greater game plan. Don’t stress over someone’s unfair offer, instead rest in the Lord’s reassurance. Keep learning the secret of living to the fullest by trusting the Creator of your life.
You can do God’s will for your life in the strength He gives you through knowing Christ. Your fellowship of suffering with Jesus will get you through any circumstance good or bad. Don’t forget the harder road of faithfulness is found in good times not bad times. The good can become an idol to the best of being a faithful follower of Jesus. Discontentment for more during times of abundance must be replaced by genuine gratitude and joy. Be flexible to give away more instead of stressing over how to keep more. A happy life is not distressed, but happy to trust the Lord.
“So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective” (Colossians 3:1-2, MSG).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grow my heart of love and trust in you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who do I need to show more flexibility and let go of having my way?
Related Reading
Psalm 23:1-6, 119:1-10; Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 2:15-17
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Those who demand their way get in the way of the Spirit’s work to mold everyone involved to be more like Jesus. #WisdomHunters #flexible #truth #Jesus
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