Day 102: With His Help

Acts 11:19-30; Joshua 13-14; Job 27

"With my help..."
God had made it clear to the Israelites that they could conquer their enemies and lands even if they were outnumbered. The Israelites were a powerful people, chosen, set apart. But it wasn't their power or might or special calling that made them successful. The Lord was the one that did it. Their success was based on God's intervention and provision.

At the same time the Israelites were doing the seemingly impossible. But it wasn't impossible. Because: God was helping. With the Lord's help we can do things, accomplish things, make stuff happen, connect with people that we never thought possible.

Rather than getting frustrated and giving up, Job takes his suffering and terrible circumstances and turns them into motivation to do the best he can. So often, when I get discouraged, I'll want to just give up and forget about it. What's the point? Why does it matter now? I can't ever fix it! But Job reveals a different approach. It's almost like a challenge for him--he's going to prove everyone wrong and be awesome! I think this is the right perspective, but it is a very difficult thing to do. Turn those frustrations into challenges to do better, be better, serve and love better.

(Oh gosh, I'm one year closer to 30 today. Whoa!)