Different but still good

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Take care of yourself”

Our Bible verse for today: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9;10 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Different but still good”

This morning, I want to return us to our thought from yesterday regarding embracing what is instead of lamenting what isn’t. We learned from author Katherine Wolf’s personal example that many times our trials in life bring changes that are irreversible and which we must therefore accept and deal with. We also learned that out of the bad, God can and does bring new things that are good.

In Katherine’s case, after her stroke she was no longer a Hollywood actress and a glamorous fashion model. Those days were gone. But out of her new reality God gave her a new rich life of writing, speaking, teaching, and (wait for it), modeling. She has been featured on magazine covers and in picture spreads designed to inspire and encourage those struggling with disabling conditions.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 the Apostle Paul was referring to himself. He evidently had a series of physically disabling conditions that could have been viewed as limiting. It’s not clear what those were but Bible scholars believe it was poor eyesight and a speech impediment. And yet, Paul went on to be the greatest evangelist and church planter in the history of Christianity and he wrote almost two-thirds of the New Testament. God used Paul’s apparent weaknesses and turned them into strengths – just like he did for Katherine.

The fact is that nothing ever stays the same. Time passes, things change, and life goes on. Your life today is a little different than it was yesterday, and last week, last month, and last year. Your life tomorrow, and next week, next month, and next year will be different than it is today. Nothing ever really stays the same. But God is always the God who wrote the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you – this is the Lord’s declaration – plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

This is an important understanding for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. As time passes things will happen and circumstances will change, and oftentimes those changes will be challenging. That’s just life. Your life will be different, but it can still be good. God wants it to be good.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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