Stepping Stones: Todays Homework Brings Tomorrows Reward!

Transformational Tip
How easy it is to "lose heart." We have all faced storms and problems; in relationships, in our jobs...how many times have you thought about just quitting...just walking off the job? In the midst of Paul's most troublesome times he decides to focus on his inner strength which comes from the Holy Spirit.
Don't let fatigue, pain, judgment and criticism from others force you off the job.
Today renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don't forsake your eternal reward because of some pain or temptation.
Think of your problems as having purpose. Someone wrote to us recently with a very simple prayer to pray while in the midst of a life storm; "Dear God, please do not let these tears be wasted." Think of the many benefits of our human limitations and problems; they remind us of Christ suffering for us; they keep pride away; they provide the opportunity to look beyond this brief life; they allow us to demonstrate our faith to others...and they give God the opportunity to demonstrate His awesome power.
Today, think about how complacent and prideful you would be if everything went your way. Then, during a setback or struggle today, remember a school assignment, athletic training, or arts preparation you had that was difficult and painful, but eventually grew and prospered you. Then be thankful for today's homework or training exercise, do it with excellence, and be excited for our perfect Teacher/Coach is training us for the coolest trophy and reward!

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I come to you today as a fearful follower. As Paul writes, I do feel as if I am wasting away...most days lately I feel as if I am loosing heart. By reading Your word today I see where I have been going wrong; I have been looking only at what I can see, and what I can see is only temporary. Father, help me today fix my eyes and heart on what is unseen, for I know that what is unseen is eternal. Help me today to see my problems as opportunities, for Your Word has taught me that when I am at my weakest, I really am my strongest. It is Your strength and power that makes me strong. Father, please do not let my troubles today diminish my faith in You. Please let my very weakness allow the resurrection power of Jesus Christ to strengthen me moment by moment.
I pray in need and through Jesus Christ - AMEN!

The Truth
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Cor. 4:16-18
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
John 13:13
He who teaches man knowledge--the LORD--knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Psalm 94:10-13