Time Out! Devotions

(by Dr. Charles Stanley from In Touch Ministries – Rebecca’s Corner)

Is there anything today that is out of control in your life? Is there a financial need? Is there a relationship in crisis for which you are urgently praying for God’s wisdom and seeking direction?

The truth is, none of us can escape the pressures of life. Most of us know what it feels like to be disappointed. We know the painfulness of embarrassment, the sting of rejection, and the sorrow of failure. There will always be times when our circumstances seem overwhelming. But regardless of the situation, we can trust that whatever brings us to our knees in weakness carries the greatest potential for our personal success and spiritual victory.

Even though the apostle Paul could have listed many personal accomplishments, he chose to tell his audience what he saw as the key to experiencing a victorious life—accepting his weakness so that the strength of Christ might fully live in him: “I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We do not know all the trials that Paul faced; nor do we know what was the “thorn in the flesh” he referred to in 2 Corinthians 12:7. What we do know is that he wrote that this thorn buffeted him, indicating that the trial was either ongoing or recurring. When the apostle felt he could no longer withstand the blows, God reassured him that His grace was sufficient for anything he faced.

Strength that withstands the stresses and blows of this life comes from only one Source—the eternal, indwelling presence of God. When we accept our weaknesses and admit that we cannot handle life on our own, God goes to work. He sends to us encouragement and a sense of creativity, helping us to try new avenues that will lead to hope and fresh beginnings.

Has exhaustion left its mark on you? Are you weary from fighting the obstacles in your way? Are you afraid others will see your weaknesses and mock you? Could a “thorn” in your “flesh” expose your deepest fears? Whatever is hindering you, let it go. Release all to Jesus. He loves you and desires to strengthen you. Nothing compares to the freedom that waits for you within His loving arms.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-24 (New International Reader’s Version)

⁹ God didn’t choose us to receive his anger. He chose us to receive salvation because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done.

¹⁰ Jesus died for us. Some will be alive when he comes. Others will be dead. Either way, we will live together with him. ¹¹ So cheer each other up with the hope you have. Build each other up. In fact, that’s what you are doing.

[As you near the end of  a foot race, your legs ache, your throat burns, and your whole body cries out for you to stop. This is when supporters are most valuable. Their encouragement helps you push through the pain to the finish. In the same way, Christians are to encourage one another. A word of encouragement offered at the right moment can be the difference between finishing well and collapsing along the way. Look around you. Be sensitive to others need for encouragement and offer supportive words or actions.]

¹² Brothers and sisters, we ask you to have respect for the godly leaders who work hard among you. They have authority over you. They correct you. ¹³ Have a lot of respect for them. Love them because of what they do. Live in peace with each other.

[Think of your pastor and other church leaders. How can you honor them? Express your appreciation, tell them how you have been helped by their leadership and teaching, and thank them for their ministry in your life. If you say nothing, how will they know where you stand? Remember, they need and deserve your support and love expressed in practical ways.]

¹⁴ Brothers and sisters, we are asking you to warn those who don’t want to work. Cheer up those who are shy. Help those who are weak. Put up with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back one wrong act with another. Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.

[Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness to God should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings. Obeying these three commands - be joyful, keep praying, and be thankful - often goes against our natural inclinations. When we make a conscious decision to do what God says, however, we will begin to see people in a new perspective. When we do God's will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.

We cannot spend all our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude all the time. This attitude is built upon acknowledging our dependence on God, realizing His presence within us, and determining to obey Him fully. We then find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous, short prayers. A prayerful attitude is not a substitute for regular times of prayer, but should be and outgrowth of those times.]

¹⁹ Don’t put out the Holy Spirit’s fire. ²⁰ Don’t treat prophecies as if they amount to nothing. ²¹ Put everything to the test. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil.

[We shouldn't make fun of those who don't agree with what we believe, but we should always check their words against the Bible. We are on dangerous ground if we scoff at a person who speaks the truth. Instead we should carefully check out what people say, accepting what is true and rejecting what is false.]

²³ God is the God who gives peace. May he make you holy through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept free from blame. May you be without blame from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes. ²⁴ The One who has chosen you is faithful. He will do all these things.

(bracketed text from The Life Application Bible – Living Bible edition)