2020 Daily Devotion - Day 151

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 John Wooden was one of the greatest college basketball coaches in American history. He was the head coach at UCLA for decades and was known as the “Wizard of Westwood”. He did more than coach basketball when he said things like this:


“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” - John Wooden

When life hands you challenges, how do you respond? You have a choice. You can respond with complaining and fault-finding, or you can decide to look for the good in every situation. Some people are so focused on the problems that they become bitter. I have often said, the way bitter old people become bitter old people is they start off as bitter young people. It is essential for us to resist this tendency. And we can because of the grace of God. Knowing that because of Jesus we have his “unmerited favor” can help us to focus on faith and hope. Since God is always pouring His strength into our lives and guiding us at each step we take, we can make the best out of whatever we face.

Hebrews 12:15 RSV
See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” spring up and cause trouble, and by it the many become defiled.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, it is so very easy to complain and grow bitter. But You are calling us to higher ground; to a place of faith and hope in You. And as a result, we can make the best out of whatever we face. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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