Stepping Stones: Why Won’t You Trade Your Penny for Gold?

24 August 2010



Transformational Thought

Several months ago I was working on a project…the project was stalling because a certain problem kept getting in my way. Although the solution that was right in “front of my eyes,” it was hard for me to see because I was holding onto a couple project elements way too tightly. Once I loosened my grip, that is, my dependency on those elements, the solution became crystal clear to me, and a peace quickly followed.

God’s peace is an all-encompassing peace given freely to His followers and has nothing to do with your current circumstance. Even if you lose everything, if you gain His peace, you are rich beyond measure. When we cling to other items… worldly items…receiving His precious gift of peace is hard. This is like wrapping your fingers tightly around a shiny penny, not wanting to give it up, while God is offering you an unlimited supply of gold.

To receive His gifts, you must first open your hands, and heart, to Him. By doing so, you can release your cares and concerns into His hands for perfect care and keeping. Now your hands are open to receive and grab onto the peace He has been trying to give you all along. Keep in mind today the Divine nature of this gift; it is not the world’s peace He gives…it is a powerful peace that transcends all human understanding.

After His resurrection the first words Jesus spoke to his disciples were; “Peace be with you.” He knew they needed His Peace…he knows that you need His Peace today.

Today, take a look at an area of your life where you feel unsettled. Ask yourself, “What am I holding too tightly that is interfering with me grabbing the peace He offers me?” Is it my ego, control, looks, image, money, security, afraid to take a risk, our kids. We all have areas we exalt more than they are actually worth compared to what God offers. Let go of that thing by applying His Word, character, and promises and feel Him put the peace right in your hand for you to grab.

Prayer
Dear Father, I feel that there are so many aspects of my life that are out of my control; I feel I am a victim of my circumstances, but I know I am really a victim of my own thinking and decisions. Your gift of all encompassing peace is exactly what I need. Even though Your peace is a gift, I sometimes feel unable to receive it. Perhaps it’s because I am clinging so tightly to other things; my loved ones, my possessions, my reputation. Or even my addictions or turning to false sources of relief. I pray to You, my Lord, that You help me treasure and value Your Peace above all else. Help me release my grasp on other things so that I may receive Your gifts. I pray in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
- - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content

Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
    - - - Navigate Life at: http://www.LighthouseNetwork.org/content