Capture the Moment With JesusSample

Day 2: Our Own Resources: Epic Fail

Sometimes life can make us feel like a Swiss Army knife. We think, “Okay, I have these four, five, or six little tools that will help me out. I have some education, some wisdom, some friends. I have a little bit of money and a job. I have this and that. Whatever my tools are, I have this. With these tools, I can figure things out. I can do life, and I can do godliness.” This would be a Swiss Army knife composed of our own strength.

But while we may have these five or six tools, the Swiss Army knife composed of the strength of Jesus has a tool and a resource for whatever we might need in a given situation. This Swiss Army Knife wouldn’t fit in your pocket or even your backpack! He has something for every circumstance, every problem, every joy, every concern, every moment when you are feeling down, and every moment when you are feeling up. He is the resource.

He says something like this: “You can have this tool that is Me in your heart through the Holy Spirit. It is part of the equal privilege you have as a citizen of the kingdom—just like Paul, just like Peter…just like the strongest Christian you know. I reside in your heart. If you will abide in me and I abide in you, then you will accomplish much, and you will bear much fruit. But apart from me, you will accomplish nothing” (John 15:1–5).

Throw away your Swiss Army knife mentality with its four or five little tools and grab the greatness of the precious promises of God in your life.

It’s scary to let go of our tools and take up the resources of Christ. But God says to fear not. The Bible says “fear not” 365 times. There is a “fear not” for every day of the year so you and I can stand—not on cultural myths and assurances but on the promises of God through knowing Christ (Isa. 35:4, 41:10–13, Matt. 14:27).

If you will, pray with me, “Lord, thank You that I can have equal access to You. Thank You that I can live a life pleasing to You. Thank You, Lord, that You’re giving me just what I need for that meeting, just what I need for that presentation, just what I need for that school day, just what I need for that relational issue, that emotional issue. You’ve given me everything I need, and I am going to stand on Your promises, God, trusting that You have provided for me all I need for life and godliness.”