Only Christ's resurrection power can satisfy our empty hearts. Only His power can defeat our temptations and turn our trials into triumphs. Only His power can exchange our weaknesses for His strength. Any earthly assets that we draw on are rubbish compared to Christ's power.
Any earthly assets that we draw on are rubbish compared to Christ's power.
As imperfect humans, it is easy for us to revert to our independent ways, especially when things seem to go well for us. We quickly forget about Christ's strength and joy when we find comfort and happiness in our circumstances.
But we must be on guard against spiritual stagnation. We must place our relationship with Christ first in our lives. We often shy away from spiritual growth because we know that growth is often accompanied by pain. We want to run from our troubles rather than press forward. But the Bible tells us, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Paul encouraged the Philippians, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). While we may have to strain our spiritual muscles in order to grow, we will find joy in the midst of our struggles if we focus on Christ, applying the power of His grace to our lives.
Prayer: Father, thank You for using Your infinite power to save me and satisfy my heart. Help me not to run from spiritual growth but to press forward to win the prize of Your nearness for eternity. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit" (Psalm 147:5).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series It's Contagious . . . Pass It On!: LISTEN NOW
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