God will enable you

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Just keep dancing”

Our Bible verse for today: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV)

Our thought for today: “God will enable you”

Our theme this month was inspired by Tim Hansel’s great little book, “You Gotta Keep Dancing.” It was based upon the story of his own life after he suffered a life-altering accident that left him crippled and in pain for the rest of his life. Tim resolved to live life and to live it large, despite the constant pain and the significant limitations his injuries created for him.

I’m so grateful to God for all the good examples He has shown me of determined people who refused to give-up. These are people who had to deal with great adversity, but who were determined to live life and to keep dancing. They turned to God, they leaned on Him, they drew their strength, courage, and hope from Him, and then they lived to the fullest possible under the prevailing circumstances.

There was once a man in our church named Tom who had a massive stroke which left him bedridden. He had to be fed and changed and bathed. Although the doctors expected some level of recovery, they told him he would never walk again. But he refused to accept that diagnosis. He called to God for help and then he asked for a walker. He forced himself out of bed and he learned to walk. Then they told him he would never be able to drive a vehicle again. So, he got his car keys, got some help, and learned to drive again. Then they told him he would never be able to work again. So, he grabbed his walker and his car keys, drove to some businesses, and found himself a job.

For more than thirty years after that stroke, until he went to heaven a few years ago, he walked, drove, and worked – even though he was supposed to be able to do none of those things. Oh, and he was in church virtually every time the doors were open. I’m grateful to have known him and to have had him as a friend.

At about that same time there was another man who had a heart condition that was going to require open heart surgery. The situation was serious. Was he concerned about it? Of course he was. Was he taking the appropriate doctor-suggested precautions to guard his health until he could get the surgery? Yes. Did he give in to fear, afraid to do anything and live instead in a protective bubble until the surgery? No. No he didn’t. Instead, he trusted the situation to the Lord, he took reasonable precautions, and he lived his life. He went to work; he participated in his ministry assignments in church; he continued his outdoor recreational activities; and he continued to live his life as best he could under the conditions as they were.

I don’t know what your situation is, but I do know that if you want to keep dancing the Lord will help you to keep dancing. You don’t have to give-in, give-up, or shut-down. Commit your circumstances and your life to the Lord, resolve to do your best to honor Him in the middle of it all – and then dance.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are 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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