“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:24
One of the most frustrating things about the strange year that’s continuing to unfold before us is that we can’t make plans like we’re used to. Since the world is in limbo, it’s hard to orient ourselves, and as we approach the holiday season, it’s easy to feel a sense of sadness over how different things look compared to last year. However, now more than ever, it’s important to maintain a positive perspective and to remember than when you can’t plan, you can train. In fact, I think training is often overlooked in a society that values big accomplishments but doesn’t like to acknowledge the pain of getting there. Nevertheless, personal development is the prerequisite to anything praiseworthy. I can’t wake up one day and run a marathon; in order to cultivate enough endurance to finish the race, I need to train gradually and tackle a mile or two before adding more. In fact, this is true in nearly every area of life. While it’s tempting to focus on big dreams, the reality is that anything great starts small, and now is the perfect time to set attainable goals that empower you to slowly become the person today who you need to and want to be tomorrow. For instance, instead of losing heart because you can’t afford an advanced degree, take just one class. Or, find YouTube tutorials on a new skill you want to cultivate and watch a couple short videos every day. If you’re down on yourself because you’re not growing in your faith, don’t worry about reading two or three chapters of the Bible each morning, try reading just two or three verses. Any effort you commit to consistently, no matter how small, will yield progress in the long run and is far better than simply staying put! My friend, the prize comes with persistence. Success in any endeavor is the sum of small efforts that are repeated day in and day out until they create something larger than themselves. In the same manner, becoming a disciple of your Savior happens through a series of seemingly insignificant daily choices that ultimately lead to abundant life. Salvation is not a guarantee of worldly greatness, but rather a promise of divine potential that gives you the power to walk the narrow road. With Jesus, you can move forward one step at a time and claim the assurance that in His strength, you are more than a conqueror. Run with endurance, don’t quit the race, and let Him use your life to manifest His presence and deliver hope to others who feel stuck in stale circumstances! |
Prayer
Jesus, teach me to set attainable goals and give me the grace and discipline I need to achieve them, for your glory.
Reflection
What small goals will you commit to today? Write them down and invite God to help you accomplish them.
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
3 Responses
I yearn to resume my lector ministry at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church again which was put permanently on hold due to this horrible Covid-19 pandemic.And to be able to go to our Miami Elks Lodge 948 for Bingo every Thursday Evening and karaoke every first and third Saturday nights again.In fact being in quarantine has helped me to become more aware of who I am. Which is to say that I always put God first before everyone else.in my life.My health is more important right now.Until there is a approved and safe vaccine. I will not resume my favorite activities.I hope and pray that the Hour of Power will continue its mission of reaching out to the lost
and lonely people Around the World with the positive and healing messages of God.
I also hope and pray that Pastor Bobby Schuller and his beautiful family stay safe healthy and happy.Much thanks. love prayers and warm thoughts go to the Hour of
Power Choir and Orchestra for the glorious music and singing.And also to the Voices of Hope Children’s Choir that they stay healthy. Much thanks also to Dr Marc
Riley.Sarah Grandpre and Dr Irene Messalores for their superb leadership.May God continue to bless all of them with excellent health for the rest of the year and for many more years to come.As always I remain a faithful viewer and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ.May God bless the United States of America
Hi: I am a subscriber of Bobby’s Daily Devotional’s. They seem to help somewhat, but I am engulfed with the Coronairus situation! I have been quaranteened for almost 8 months.I suffer from fear and anxiely, not being able to get out of the rut. My daily life is like the movie “Groundhog Day”, nothing changes. Our country is approaching severe depression status! I try to watch the Hour of Power on Saturday nights, but it doesn’t seem the same with parish members not in attendance.
The news is ALL NEGATIVE and the reporters do not respond POSITIVE things.
Anything you might recommend to alleviate my pain and anxiety would be appreciated!!
Is it OK to call the “Hour of Power” in this situation?
Yours in Christ!!
Dick L
Hi Dick!
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We’re so sorry about the loneliness and pain you are experiencing, and we understand how difficult and challenging this time is. We’re glad that the devotions and teaching provide some consolation, and we’re certainly here for you to offer prayer and support. You can always call us for that; however, we don’t have trained counselors on staff who are skilled in providing tools for dealing specifically with depression and anxiety. Thankfully, the ministry that was founded at the Crystal Cathedral over 50 years ago continues (today under the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Orange County) to provide 24-hour-a-day help and counseling. They are trained and are available to take your calls at (714) NEW-HOPE (639-4673). Please feel free to reach out for them for tools and resources. Or, if you simply need prayer, feel free to reach out to us at (714) 971-4101. We’re standing with you in this tough time and praying that Jesus will infuse your heart with fresh hope today. God loves you and so do we!