Appropriating Power
by Muriel Larson
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
My husband was out of work when I ran into a lawyer’s car with our new car! He sued us. We were broke and facing payments; I worried myself sick. That Sunday I read Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
“How,” I wondered. “How can I find that peace?” Then I read the verse preceding it: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
I thanked God for the ways in which He had helped us in the past. Then I fervently prayed concerning the lawsuit. As I trusted the Lord with my worries, His peace filled my heart. Then a God-given thought came to my mind: “Call the lawyer and explain your situation.”
The lawyer listened and responded, “When I saw your new car, I didn’t realize you were in such a bind. It was just a dent. Just send me $20 and I’ll forget the lawsuit.”
That day I learned two truths that have never failed to help me have peace in every situation. First, I bring everything to the Lord, thanking Him for past answers. Second, I believe He knows the answers to my problems and will guide me by His Spirit.
Giving thanks is a vital part of peace. As we thank God for the ways He has helped us in the past, it strengthens our faith that He will continue to help in our present problems.
*The Power of Rejoicing. Philippians 4:4 tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. When Paul and Silas sat in the Philippian jail in chains, with their beaten backs still bleeding, they rejoiced in the Lord. God sent an earthquake, and their chains flew open. When we rejoice in the Lord, it frees us from all kinds of things that keep us down. It releases us to experience Christ’s joy!
*The Power of Unselfishness. Philippians 4:5 tells us, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” When we have the same selfless, loving, and kind attitude toward others that Jesus had, we will be ready for His coming. We’ll also experience the peace and joy that He wants us to have.
*The Power of Right Thinking. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think good, uplifting, Christlike thoughts. Rejecting negative, critical, angry, hateful, and judgmental thoughts, and choosing to follow our Lord’s advice for good thinking, can deliver us from mental, emotional and physical problems we may have brought on ourselves because of wrong thinking.
*The Power of Trust. Philippians 4:19 tells us that our God will supply all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ. Believing this has the power to deliver us from fear, anxiety, and worry.
Philippians four holds the key to great deliverance. Let’s use it!
“Lord, may I know Your power in my life so that I might live for You to Your glory.”
About the Author
This devotional was written by Muriel Larson. Read more about Muriel: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/muriel-larson/
Going Deeper
Consider these questions: How else can I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of Christ Jesus? How can I think so positively when I have been so badly treated by other people?
Comment: Post your comments on TruthMedia’s women’s devotional blog. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and just click on the word “Comment??? (no need to register).
Related Reading: Appropriating the power of the Holy Spirit: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/growth/art.html
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8 Responses to “Appropriating Power”
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This has been one of my favorite scriptures for the past few years. When I have a problem I know I can take it to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving, and He gives me peace, and he answers my prayer…not always right away but in his timing. I am learning not to worry about things but take it to him immediately to reap the joy of His peace, and love. He is so good and faithful. Thank you Jesus!
Thankyou JESUS,Thank You.
I find it so hard to think positive things right now. My mind just goes to negative thinking. I know the scriptures say to renew our minds but I pray the prayers and I just find that my mind keeps going to all the hurtful thoughts that I have had to endure in the last while. The hurt is over whelming to me. The sadness in my life is over taking me. I know this is of the enemy. Please pray for my family. Broken in Spirit.
First of all, I thank God for this devotional, for I have truly found my answer. Debbie, I am also going through and have experienced some hurtful moments. Remember the Enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but God comes that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Just sincerely surrender it all to Jesus. He wants to release you and your family from this torment. When you are God’s child, there are so many promises for us: peace, prosperity, joy, love and many others. I am also feverently praying for my family to be restored, and I will pray for you. Remember when you have receive the free gift of salvation, problems arise as we are not immune to them, but we have the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipled. Be blessed and leave it with the Lord. Wait on Him!
This is one of the most encouraging devotions and also one of the most difficult things to actually live out. Thank you for the encouraging words. The Enemy makes us doubt and worry, but God just wants us to give it all to Him so that He can bless our lives. All of you ladies are in my prayer especially you Debbie. We all go through difficult times, and those are when we need to gather round each other in prayer.
Tasha and Terra,
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I really appreciated you taking the time out to share with me. It comforts me to know that I have Sisters out there praying for me. May our Lord comfort you both in your times of struggle as well. The Lord Bless you both!
Love Debbie and Thank You!
To Debbie,
Psalm 147:3 tells us that God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,,,,this scripture was and still is a comfort to me during some “low” periods in my life…Just knowing that He takes it all and He cares about us so much ..i too can identify with your situation ,,i’ve been there and still am filled with anxiety,,,i am praying that with God’s help you will overcome,,,God Bless and don’t give up….DEE
Dee
Praise the Lord for His Healing Power. I am sure needing that. He says He will never leave us or forsake us. That is a comfort. It’s a comfort to know that I am sharing with others that understand the “low” that I am feeling. Please pray that my mind would be renewed. I feel the enemy attacking my thoughts and I am having a hard time resisting. I wake up crying every day. My concentration just isn’t there. I just find it hard to even get up out of bed but I know that I must, so of course I do. I’m so glad that our God is bigger than anything we are going through. He can do much more than ever thought possible. He sees the whole picture. If only we could see over the horizon! Mmmmmm I’d like that! You too I bet uh?