Armed With God's Strength

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

I returned Sunday night from a four-day weekend in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with my family. We enjoyed much needed downtime. My daughter Lindsay is graduating from college in December, and my son Josh will graduate high school in June. They’re both anticipating what the next stage of life will bring. 

Lindsay and Josh

Life is defined by transition. Unplugging for a few days gave me a new perspective on my goals and commitments. Saying no has always been difficult for me, and I don’t know many writers who pass up opportunities for growth or advancement. In fact, most share a similar trait—unplugged equals rejuvenation and then it’s game on! I’m excited by my long to-do list and the ministry outreach God has set before me.

As for God, his way is perfect:

The Lord’s word is flawless;

he shields all who take refuge in him.

For who is God besides the Lord?

And who is the Rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength

and keeps my way secure. 2 Samuel 22:31-33

Think about the power behind these verses. God’s way is perfect. His word is flawless.

The God we worship is bigger than our problems. He’s on the path ahead, arming us with His strength, and keeping our way secure.

Whether you’re excited or feel defeated by the challenges that lie ahead, the simple truth is God is there!

If you are struggling to live this truth, take a few minutes to worship with Natalie Grant’s live performance of “Your Great Name/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” You’ll be blessed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit through this song.

He is the solution for whatever you’re facing!

Do you have a particular prayer need? I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments section or email me confidentially. While you’re here, please take a moment to click on the prayer list above and lift up other requests, as well as Sgt. Jesse McCart, an American soldier who stepped on an IED in Afghanistan and lost part of both legs and some of his hearing.

If you have not heard about the 40 days of prayer for our nation, it began on September 28 and will continue through election day. TC Avey does a good job of explaining the purpose behind this effort. Visit her blog, "Wisdom of a Fool," for more details. 

God bless,

Laura

 © Laura Hodges Poole

New Year's Resolutions

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15

The weather is crisp and cool outside here in the upstate of South Carolina. The sun streaming in through my sunroom windows beckons me to be a part of this beautiful day. It’s the first Monday of a new year. A clean slate waiting to be written upon. I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions, mainly because they get lost in the shuffle of daily life. Sure, I have goals, hopes, and dreams like everyone else. But resolutions?

Last year I settled on one resolution—to be more organized. If I accomplished that, I’d have a pretty good chance of fulfilling my goals.

As I look around at my messy office and its organized chaos, I’ve decided revamping last year’s resolution is in order for 2012. Drum roll, please. This year’s resolution is—better time management. A long list of deadlines and goals flit around in my head, yet to be put on paper. Even so, the only way any of it will get done is if I manage my time wisely.

The other key to success is vetting my goals with those of God’s. What does He want me to accomplish this year?  Like the verse alludes to, as a Christian, my success hinges on living in God’s will. My goals can’t be mine alone. I have to be open to the idea that He may have other plans. Therefore, I pray “not my will but Yours.” Perhaps His goals, dreams, and hopes for me are bigger than I could imagine. No doubt, they’re better for my life, if they differ from mine.

Maybe a better resolution would be to turn loose of what we grasp so hard, and in releasing, we open our hands and hearts to receiving what God deems best for our lives.

What resolution have you made for 2012? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment and have a blessed 2012.