Stepping Stones: Train to Use the Right Tools

Transformational Tip
My Dad was a carpenter…he did beautiful things with wood. When I would compliment his work, he always humbly said the same thing…“It’s easy when you have the right tools.” I was always amazed and what he created, how he could sculpt something wonderful and exquisite from a block of ordinary wood. Having the right tools is important, but he also was too humble to admit the need for training in how to most efficiently use the right tools.

Once you start believing that you need His help, you will begin receiving all the tools…all the equipment to handle whatever comes your way. His promises to be near you and to take care of you, exhortations that help you avoid sinful snares, the gift of forgiveness when you “miss the mark,” the Holy Spirit to live in you and empower you. He provides all the tools you need to do the job…but you have to make the effort to train and use what He provides.

Satan also provides tools…amazing how we become better at using Satan’s tools and not God’s. Why? Does material and physical gain mean that much to us than the emotional, relational, psychological, and spiritual gain that God promises? Just look at Tiger Woods…all the material gain a person could achieve, but floundering in misery, insecurity, and fear. What tools are you using? God’s tools lead to real life transformation…Satan’s lead to conformity to the world.

Today, reflect for a moment on all that is provided to you by Him through Christ, the Bible, and His Holy Spirit. Compare these to Satan’s tools. You make the call, which set will you choose to train in and use. WITHIN REACH: Disciplines for Real LIfe Change will show you God’s tools and equip you to maximize their potential in your life…it will also teach you Satan’s goals, tools, and tricks. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on having the right tools.

Prayer
O Father, I know and believe that You are perfect in all ways. I also know that You are sovereign…that nothing happens that You have not allowed. When difficulties enter my life, difficulties I know you could have prevented, sometimes it feels as if you are being careless with me…but I know You are not a careless God. I do believe that you equip me with the right tools to handle anything that comes my way. But Father, I need instructions…I need Your help in using the your tools. I pray in the name of the one who shows me how to use the right tools, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1,2