The week’s memory work is Philippians 2:12-13. Recite the two verses several times to ensure you have them memorized.

A new thought pattern, behavior, or another pathway for change is fun initially, but it may become a challenging routine during the experience part of the journey. For this reason, it is essential that the routine not be the central focus. Focus on Jesus and the fruit He is growing in you by His Spirit. There is a danger in us doing the activity completely in our strength and power. That is why Jesus said we could do nothing without Him.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

If you imagine a perfect life as we partner with Christ in His work in us and through us, please remember God’s ways are not our ways. We will experience good and bad times in life, but the key is staying connected with God in a relationship despite the ups, downs, twists, and turns of life.

In 2 Corinthians 12:5-10, the Apostle Paul shares, “On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

At times in the journey, we will limp into experience. Rather than feeling empowered, we will expect failure. We may wonder why we are giving change another try, but this is where God shows His strength. In His love and grace, our most significant places of failure can be the place in which He works through us the most. If we are willing to meet Jesus in all of the challenging areas of our life, God will work to bring redemption. As we give Him everything, God will reclaim the most trying times of the journey as we let Him heal us. God’s strength shines His glory in our weaknesses. If we hold onto God, let Him work, trust Him and persevere, we will experience Him in ways we never imagined. 

Pray: 

Lord, I pray that You would teach me to yield myself to Your Spirit, Holy Spirit, teach me to trust You as a living person who leads my life and my prayers. Help me to understand your ministry and power. Help me to understand You as my Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, and Strengthener. I long to see a demonstration of Your power in my life just as the Apostle Paul did (1 Corinthians 2:2-5). I thank You that You indwell, seal, sanctify, and empower me. You guide me, teach me, and pray through me. Help me to partner with You in everything I do. Transform my life completely with Your power. Make me sensitive to Your promptings, and teach me to partner with You in prayer in a deeper way.

A Prayer for the Lost https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/ prayer/a-prayer-for-the-lost.html