Life Plan Devotion #44 [F.I.R.S.T. Place, Part V]

Previously, we looked at 4 of the 5 areas of life (finances, interests, relationships, and schedule), to see, individually, if God has first place in your life. Today, we'll look at the fifth and final area.
Troubles (the T in F.I.R.S.T.)--Think about your troubles, that which troubles you. Do those troubles defeat you? Do they cause you to moan and groan or even to be angry at God because you're going through them? Are you handling your troubles, or are your troubles handling you? Do you search the Word for scripture about your troubling area, so you know what God's Word says about it? Do you search out the promises contained in the Word, and are you doing your part so God can do His part? Finally, are you patient in waiting for God to move in your circumstances, living by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7)? Do you understand the authority given to you as a believer (Mark 16:17-18) and, if so, do you put on and use the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), speak the Name of Jesus and tell Satan to "Move on!"?
We live in a fallen world, so we will experience troubling situations, but we can and must believe the Lord when He said, "...be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, Amplified). You are an overcomer, because you have The Overcomer within you. Think like it, talk like it, and walk like it. If you need wisdom in a situation, go to God and ask for it, and He will give it to you (James 1:5). Is God first in your troubles?

II Corinthians 4:8-9 [NIV]
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed... For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

What this has to do with weight loss: I have wept over some of the posts I've read on ObesityHelp.com, by precious people who are going through terrible complications post-weight loss surgery. I've marveled at their courage, even their ability to just get up every morning. Those who know the Lord shine, even during their darkest days. They are able to give encouragement to others, despite knowing discouragement themselves. They live the saying, "Hope springs eternal," and it's a joy to rejoice with them when their troubles are over.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, there are days when I feel beset on every side by troubles. Sometimes those troubles threaten to crush me, but that's when I look up to You, The Overcomer. Thank You for Your Word that prepares me for the inevitability of troubles, yet does not leave me without help and hope. Thank You that no matter what I face, You are right here beside me, comforting and encouraging me. May I look to Your Word, in all my troubles, for the pathway through every trouble, and may I take advantage of every promise in Your Word connected to each trouble I experience, so my time in the valley may be short. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today, putting God first in your troubles.

In times of uncertainty and trouble, listen to the Psalms from the cd Psalms for Surgery. More information available at http://www.cdeanhall.com/products.html.

Life Plan Devotion #3 [Confusion]

Are you confused about anything? The word confusion is defined as "a state of disorder, upheaval, tumult, chaos; lack of clearness; perplexity, bewilderment." Confusion can cloud your judgment and cause you to fail to move forward in your life.
Confusion causes you to say, "I don't know what to do." What is your greatest area of confusion? Perhaps your area of confusion is in your finances, your career, your relationships, your spirituality, or how to balance life, in general. Any area where you feel overwhelmed, where you don't know where to begin, is an area of confusion.
While "God is not the author of confusion" (I Corinthians 14:33, KJV), He can work it out for good (Romans 8:28). God can use your state of confusion to nudge you to listen more closely for His voice of direction; to encourage you to pay attention to your past missteps, so you don't repeat them; or give you the opportunity to experience His "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7, NKJV), as you muddle through the mire of confusion to a state of clarity.

James 1:5 [NIV]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he[/she] should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him [/her]." Note: Information in brackets added by writer.

What this has to do with weight loss: The weight-loss journey can be full of confusion: the decision to have weight-loss surgery, how to afford it, whether or not to tell friends and family, and, last but not least, how to eat/exercise/live post-surgery. Add to those things the magnification of any pre-surgery relationship issues, and you've got confusion! The Lord desires that you come to Him for clarity and wisdom. Partner with Him, and, in time, out of your confusion will come wisdom, clarity, and purpose.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I admit that I lack wisdom in the area of __________. I ask You, 'who give generously to all, without finding fault,' to fill me with wisdom. Thank You for reminding me that I am not alone in any of life's quandaries and that Your light will clear up any confusion, as I turn to You for help. Help me to hear Your voice, Your wisdom, and Your truth. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, in wisdom and clarity.