Your Daily Devotional for October 16, 2007

 

October 16,  2007

 

 

Victory over Setbacks

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

 

First Corinthians 15:57-58

 

 

During quail season in Georgia, an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog ran rheumatically ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation.

"Well," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be. But him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can—and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"

 

As we saw yesterday, we all have setbacks and imperfections in our lives. Yet we shouldn't let these setbacks keep us from following God's will for our lives. The devil seeks to use these imperfections to discourage us from serving God, yet we must realize that God has made us who we are and He desires to use us. Today we will see a few ways we can have victory over the setbacks in our lives.

 

First, we must present ourselves to the Lord. Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." If we are to have victory over the imperfections in our lives, we must give ourselves to God each day and let Him fill us.

 

Second, we must be transformed by the Lord. Ephesians 4:23 says, "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." God desires to renew and transform us into Christians He can use. Even with failures and setbacks, we can be used by God if we will let Him transform us.

 

It has been said that our thoughts are the autopilot of our lives. Many times someone will say, "I could never teach a Sunday school class" or "I could never work on a bus route." These thoughts dictate their behavior and prevent them from serving God. What is your autopilot today? What have you been making excuses for to avoid doing? God can use any of us if we will surrender to Him and let Him transform us.

 

Third, focus on victory one day at a time. Many times we can get discouraged when we think of having complete victory over a large setback in our lives, but we must realize that we cannot do it on our own. We must focus on God and ask Him for victory each day.

 

I would challenge you to make a list of the setbacks or imperfections in your life—areas that need change. After you have made your list, take it before God in prayer and pray over each one separately. Tell God your thoughts and feelings about that area and pray for His help in overcoming the setback. Take this list to Him each day and ask for victory in your life.

 

Last, we must memorize Scripture to gain victory over the setbacks in our lives. God's Word is our guide and protection in life. As we are memorizing Scripture and applying the truths of His Word in our lives each day, God will help us have victory.

 

Are there some areas in your life in which you struggle? Are there some setbacks or imperfections over which you need victory? None of us are perfect and we all need God's help each day. Take time each day to meet Him in prayer. Present yourself to Him, ask Him to transform you, focus on victory one day at a time, and memorize and apply God's Word in your life. As you seek His help each day, He will help you gain victory over the setbacks in your life.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Isaiah 47-49 • 1 Thessalonians 4

 

 

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