Otis T. McMillan ~ When You’re Tired, Afraid, and Uncertain
In Moments of Exhaustion
David often “refreshed himself in the Lord,” as did the prophets, and as did Jesus himself.
Christians throughout the ages who faced ongoing social rejection and persecution did the same. All of them called upon God to renew their spirits and show himself strong on their behalf.
Where do you need God to renew you and show himself strong on behalf of you and others?
Remember, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” —Isaiah 40:30-31
God, when we grow tired and weary, when we stumble and fall, lift our eyes to heaven and remind us to find our hope and strength in You. Refresh us so that we can hope in You. Renew our strength so that we can lead like Jesus and lead others in light of who You are.
In Moments When Courage Is Needed
Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of encouragement, the act of coming alongside another person?
This is what the Spirit does for us as he breathes new life, hope, comfort, and guidance into our lives. This is who we are called to be, leaders who serve people by coming alongside them to help them according to their needs. Sometimes our encouragement is tangible and practical, other times it comes through words and presence. Everyone everywhere needs encouragement.
Where do you need God’s encouragement? Who will you come alongside today in Jesus’ name?
Look to this man for inspiration: “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” —Acts 4:36-37
Father, thank You for sending the Spirit to come alongside me and breathe life and hope into me. Use me to encourage those I come into contact with today.
In Moments of Uncertainty
“What’s next?”
It’s a question we’re all familiar with. We often ask it in pursuit of achieving a goal or with a sense of accomplishment in completing a task. Conversely, it may come from a sense of confusion, failure or hopelessness. The answer may be readily apparent, or it may require reflection and critical thinking.
As you pursue the answer to your “what’s next” question, seek God’s perspective so that you can move forward with confidence.
Where are you asking God for direction?
Take heart from Jesus’ example: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” —Mark 1:35
Lord, clarify my thinking. Show me how to move forward with what You have for me and show me the habits I need to practice so that I can catch the wind of Your Spirit. In the name of Jesus, who humbly and confidently sought out and followed Your agenda for his life, Amen.