A Beautiful Thing -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Day 2 Devotional (Week 3)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." -- Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

How will we react when suddenly we are faced with a dire situation? Will we have the strength to go on? Susan and I found out in 2009 when I lost my job of 28 years. Not only did I lose my salary, but also affordable healthcare I carried for my family while we had two sons in college. When I gathered the strength to call Susan with the news, she showed the strength that I did not have and quickly said, "God will provide." Her positive spin on this situation showed me that God has other plans for me and to expect something great.

We found the strength and the peace from God that only He can provide to accept His will and actually be eager to start a new chapter in our lives. We continue to grow through each challenge we face. God gave me such a peace during my time between jobs that I could not explain. I realized discipleship does not depend on our situation. Material resources do not provide the power we need -- only Christ can provide the strength and peace needed to get through the lean times and do everything God wants done.

Reading this verse, I learned that Paul was able to face all kinds of circumstances with contentment because he EXPECTED Christ to provide the strength required. We have the same access to this power if we just expect it, ask and trust. It is truly the times when we are weak that he can work through us and make us strong.

Heavenly Father, you have given us such a wonderful gift in your son, Jesus. Though we cannot repay such a gift, we can accept it and share it with the world. Help us to accept your wonderful gift and expect the strength that Jesus freely provides to help us get through the many things that we go through in life, victoriously.

Prepared by Mike & Susan Steedley

To prepare spiritually during our “A Beautiful Thing” campaign, you will receive a devotional written by our own members every Monday through Saturday for five weeks. To opt out of these daily devotionals, click here. To read the announcements from the “ABT Weekly Update,” click here.

A Beautiful Thing - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Day 2 Devotional (Week 3) Tuesday, April 26, 2011 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." -- Philippians 4:13 (NIV) How will we react when suddenly we are faced with a dire situation? Will we have the strength to go on? Susan and I found out in 2009 when I lost my job of 28 years. Not only did I lose my salary, but also affordable healthcare I carried for my family while we had two sons in college. When I gathered the strength to call Susan with the news, she showed the strength that I did not have and quickly said, "God will provide." Her positive spin on this situation showed me that God has other plans for me and to expect something great. We found the strength and the peace from God that only He can provide to accept His will and actually be eager to start a new chapter in our lives. We continue to grow through each challenge we face. God gave me such a peace during my time between jobs that I could not explain. I realized discipleship does not depend on our situation. Material resources do not provide the power we need -- only Christ can provide the strength and peace needed to get through the lean times and do everything God wants done. Reading this verse, I learned that Paul was able to face all kinds of circumstances with contentment because he EXPECTED Christ to provide the strength required. We have the same access to this power if we just expect it, ask and trust. It is truly the times when we are weak that he can work through us and make us strong. Heavenly Father, you have given us such a wonderful gift in your son, Jesus. Though we cannot repay such a gift, we can accept it and share it with the world. Help us to accept your wonderful gift and expect the strength that Jesus freely provides to help us get through the many things that we go through in life, victoriously. Prepared by Mike & Susan Steedley To prepare spiritually during our “A Beautiful Thing” campaign, you will receive a devotional written by our own members every Monday through Saturday for five weeks. To opt out of these daily devotionals, click here. To read the announcements from the “ABT Weekly Update,” click here.