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

Hi, Everyone.
Today's devotion covers the T. in F.I.R.S.T., and tomorrow I'll summarize. Have a great day.

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--Think about your troubles, that which troubles you. Maybe you experience financial troubles or troubles in a relationship, or perhaps you experience physical troubles. Do those troubles defeat you? Do they cause you to moan and groan or even 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 cir****tances, 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, as a believer, 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, 17
"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 here on OH.com, by precious people who are going through terrible complications post-WLS. 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.

Blessings,
Mary