Stand: A 5-Day Devotional for Leading & Living AuthenticallySample

Day 5: The Yo-Yo Effect

I have the privilege of being surrounded by some amazingly talented and brilliant women. The world is not short of them. Through social media, we have exposure to countless examples of excellence, and we can follow snap shots of the day-to-day life of great thought leaders and world changers. How equally empowering and intimidating at the same time. Whenever someone’s gift is in full shine, it looks effortless, airbrushed, and can sometimes leave us feeling inadequate in the wake of her excellence. 

We can learn a lot from the lives of others, but our most perfect example is the very life of Christ. When we become consumed with what’s trending and drawn into the images of perfection that have been filtered and edited for our viewing, it creates a yo-yo effect. One day you’re up and confident, the next day you’re down and depressed. Highs and lows are a typical part of life’s rhythm; however, we have to build on something far more solid than the lifestyle of the rich and famous. 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24–27 NASB) 

We don’t find our identity by looking to others. We find it by looking into the face of God. His consistent message is, “You’ve got this, and I’ve got you.” When you find your focus and confidence in flux, go back to the original script. What has God given you to do? What unique strategy has He given you to accomplish it? The word that gave you the courage to step out is the same word that will give you the confidence to keep going. 

Today’s Prayer Challenge 

Dear God, your Word was powerful enough to move me out and set me in motion. Keep moving me forward and give the courage to stand, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Thought to Ponder 

I am someone’s example of greatness. 

Journal Prompt

5 things that make me stand out...

I pray these five days have refreshed and revitalized your confidence to live and lead authentically. Don't stop here, check out my Challenge: 60 Days of Purpose.