2020 Daily Devotion - Day 25
In these days of the Coronavirus, we are beginning to examine just how strong we are. Many are coming to realize, we are not as strong as we think. Times like these actually help us to grow, because it is more difficult to live in denial - thinking we are so strong. Instead, we realize we need something more.
Pastor Larry Wilson points this out in one of his sermons, where he compares our strength with the strength only God can give: “There are two ways of handling pressure. One is illustrated by a bathysphere, the miniature submarine used to explore the ocean in places so deep that the water pressure would crush a conventional submarine like an aluminum can. Bathyspheres compensate with plate steel several inches thick, which keeps the water out, but also makes them heavy and hard to maneuver. Inside they’re cramped.
When these craft descend to the ocean floor, they find they're not alone. When their lights are turned on and you look through the tiny, thick plate glass windows, what do you see? Fish! These fish cope with extreme pressure in an entirely different way. They don't build thick skins: they remain supple and free. They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves.”
The same is true for us. We don’t need religion. We need a relationship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; where He actually lives within us and gives us the strength we need by equalizing the pressure. “God’s power within will equal the pressure without.”
Colossians 1:9-14 NRSV
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, bring Your power into our lives so we may equalize the pressure we are facing. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, You have promised to live in our hearts to give us the strength we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Larry Wilson points this out in one of his sermons, where he compares our strength with the strength only God can give: “There are two ways of handling pressure. One is illustrated by a bathysphere, the miniature submarine used to explore the ocean in places so deep that the water pressure would crush a conventional submarine like an aluminum can. Bathyspheres compensate with plate steel several inches thick, which keeps the water out, but also makes them heavy and hard to maneuver. Inside they’re cramped.
When these craft descend to the ocean floor, they find they're not alone. When their lights are turned on and you look through the tiny, thick plate glass windows, what do you see? Fish! These fish cope with extreme pressure in an entirely different way. They don't build thick skins: they remain supple and free. They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves.”
The same is true for us. We don’t need religion. We need a relationship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; where He actually lives within us and gives us the strength we need by equalizing the pressure. “God’s power within will equal the pressure without.”
Colossians 1:9-14 NRSV
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, bring Your power into our lives so we may equalize the pressure we are facing. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, You have promised to live in our hearts to give us the strength we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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