March 11, Monday ~ Giving Up Giving Up

DAY 23: Giving Up Giving Up

Romans 12:9-21

Luke 18:1-8

Today, we are giving up giving up, and I have entirely too much experience with this fast. Ressler’s three-item Plan of Action could be the outline for my memoir: things (I thought ) I wanted but never got, things I got but didn’t know I needed, things I initially saw as tragedies that turned into the richest blessings of all. At my age, I do a lot of looking back, but when I do, the moments that are full of abundance and blessings are those where I didn’t give in to giving up.

The thing that I didn’t give up on was God, which is Ressler’s point. It took me a while (ok, a really long while for some things) to see that what I needed to give up on was myself and my inflated opinion of what I could accomplish without the divine being foremost in my life. Romans 12:9-21 enumerates all that it takes to stay focused on the path to blessing. Wonder if what you are hearing, seeing, and feeling is from God? Use the extensive list in Romans as your go-to reference for how to be engaged in your daily life and not give up.

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;   

 if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c]

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

That scripture is not just about how we relate to God but also how we relate to others because of who God is. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” To have the staying power for hope, patience, and faith in the midst of difficult times, give up on yourself, focus on God’s presence in your life, and tune into God’s blessings. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. “(John 10:10)

At any point if you are feeling overwhelmed by this content or just want to have a further discussion about the topic, feel free to contact pastormattbridges@gmail.com or wendy@encompassthespirit.com