God Power, not Willpower
“…we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of His calling, and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” II Thessalonians 1:11-12
Dear friends,
As the season of fun, food and frivolity slowly comes to a close, are there some areas in your life that need adjusting? Are you contemplating more nutritious meals in the coming year? Considering where you might find windows of time to walk? Is it time to pull out that budget you made, then ignored? And what about your daily time in the Good Book? God revels in relationship with you, you know. Can you cut back on Facebook and Instagram for more time with your Father?
The lie we all too often believe is that we can accomplish even the tiniest task on our own. And when it comes to uncomfortable life alterations, we haven’t a prayer without a prayer. Paul asks His Father that the Thessalonians “fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power.” Not willpower, mind you. God-power. Remember Jesus’ words told by Brother Matthew: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” That’s ALL things, not just some things. Remember that, Church! Eating healthfully and moving regularly is nearly impossible by our own resolve because your weak flesh keeps whinin’ and complaining about it all. “Healthy food is too bland. I’m too tired to exercise. I’ve never been successful at losing weight.” We surely have no shortage of excuses for ignoring our temple maintenance, now do we? So when your flesh is teetering on the edge of temptation, say loudly with verve, “In my own power, resisting that drive-through is impossible but with God ALL things are possible!”
Do you think your Daddy wants you to fuel your temple well? Then He’ll help you if you ask, don’t you think? Do you believe He’s pleased when you move that miraculous body He gave you? Then pray that He prod you! And don’t be surprised when He does! Then ask Him who you can bless by inviting to join you. And surely you know He’s thrilled when you take time each day to commune with Him and meditate on His Word, so ask Him for strength in the spirit to make it a habit.
Sisters and brothers, as we enter the season of diets, deprivation and New Year’s Resolutions, let’s memorize II Thessalonians 1:11-12 together, shall we? Let’s remind one another often of the power of God-power. And please know I’m here to help if you have questions or concerns about your food or fitness. I’ll be offering some thoughts, presenting fun challenges, and sharing a recipe or two on Facebook over the coming months. (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100018004744084) I hope you make it a place to get Biblical encouragement for your temple maintenance. So please comment and ASK questions! That’s why we’re here – to build up the Body! And remember that as you fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you!
May I pray for you now?
Gracious Father,
You have told us to cast our cares on You, because You genuinely care for us. (I Peter 5:7) We know Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matt. 11:30), if only we would tether ourselves to You instead of trying to make difficult changes all on our own. Father, many of my sisters and brothers in Christ struggle with caring for their bodies. It’s so easy to eat what’s convenient and stay sitting for long spells. Our physical care gets lost in the busyness of life. Father, help us to see our self-care as a way of worshiping You. Please turn our struggles with weight and physical fitness into a journey of faith. Help us to rely on Your strength in times of temptation. As a Church, show us how to stir one another up to love and good deeds – encouraging one another in our physical fitness. (Heb. 10:24) And Father, may we claim II Thessalonians 1:11-12 as our mantra and meditation for physical victory in 2019, that You may be glorified. May You fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by Your power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in us, and us in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Live well Church,
Grace