Give all you have
Posted by Jeffrey Smith March 12th, 2018 2,271 Views 0 Comments
Matthew 6:34: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
Do you ever hold back? I mean really hold back all that you have? I have done it and later thought to myself, " I could have done more. I could have done better."
One of the most important things we can do as followers of the Way is to give of ourselves to the limit as much and as often as we can and are called to do. When we give of ourselves in all that we do, it does not necessarily mean that we are doing works or doing something that we think glorifies the Lord. That can be the case, but what I mean specifically is in absolutely everything thing we do.
We have a unique advantage in this world and that is access to the power of Jesus Christ. When we access the fullness of His power and grace, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. There is nothing that we cannot take on or create, or physically accomplish because of Jesus. When we limit ourselves, it is because we are worried. We have something that holds us back deep in the recesses of our minds. We may think we are not capable, or that we are not good enough, or that we have to save ourselves for the next day. The excuses can be many and often as to why we don't do something to the fullest.
When I was riding my bike on a Century Ride which is a 100-mile event, I mapped out my whole day. I had planned on making regular stops, resting, eating, drinking, and conserving energy. The truth is that all that went out of the window from the start of that race. I wanted to do more than I had ever done before. I wanted to see if I could finish in 5 hours or less. That can be tough to physically get through a race like that and still average 20 miles per hour. More than anything is the constant struggle of doubt, fear, and worry that tries and seep into the mind. When I completed my 70th mile, I started to see an opportunity to make it in under 5 hours, and yet my mind told me to hold back, slow down, you will die if you push too hard, you will probably pass out etc. I caved into the fear and backed way off of my speed for 10 minutes and realized that I fell below my pace to stay at 5 hours. I was now on track for 5 hours 15 minutes. I felt defeated and hurt and yet I started to pray and ask the Lord for His help, strength, and power. Over the next 20 miles, the Lord helped me move into a really good position. I left all I had out on the road. I would sprint when I could and climb the hills with everything that I had leaving it all out on the course. The Lord pushed me and spoke to me as I crossed the finish line. I had nothing left, I broke down in tears knowing that for the last 5 miles it was completely the power of the Holy Spirit driving me to victory. I finished within 5 minutes of my 5-hour goal. I cried for a solid 10 minutes in worship. What I realize is that we are only promised today. We have this minute, this event, this business meeting. We have this goal, this sermon to preach, this introduction. We have what we have this moment. We never want to cheat ourselves or lessen the power of Jesus Christ in our lives by not giving it all and going for broke. I am not suggesting we disregard responsibilities because tomorrow is a new day. I am however saying the exact opposite. We have a responsibility to give every ounce of ourselves to whatever God has called us to do and whatever God has us do. He will provide the grace, and power to complete it. He is mighty and we should never limit His power or lay up short on what we are capable of. If we do fall short, or hold back, we will have another shot at it. We do not have to feel guilty, but it is a pleasure and a joy to give everything we have in everything we do. At the end of the day when our head hits the pillow, let us sleep soundly in the knowledge that we gave all we had in faith and excellence.
Word of the day: There can be no greater joy in this world than seeing the power of God move the impossible in our lives. When we give all we have to a goal that is greater than our human power, we have the un-surpassing power of Jesus Christ to see us through to a victory. We can have victory in all things when we go for it and have faith in Jesus and His power. Let us take the natural into the supernatural today.
Prayer of the day: Father God, we boldly confess that desire to accomplish great things today. We ask that You would lead us into a new perspective in everything we set out to do, knowing that You are on our side. We ask that You provide the power and grace to help us give everything we have today and every day. Let our actions and Your love glorify You through us in Jesus name. Amen.