Stepping Stones: What Is Your Return On Investment?

Transformational Thought

Few things give me goose bumps like when my kids are involved in plays, recitals or sports, and I am privileged to see all their effort pay off in an amazing performance. Seeing the joy, pride, and self-confidence oozing from their faces and bodies, I will often even cry. I am always amazed at how well these youngsters perform out there in front of the big crowd with all the pressure. And they do it mostly on their own, often with minimal or no adult involvement in the final performance. How is this possible?

The answer: They are instructed in the fundamentals of the task, then practice them over and over, in safe, non-threatening situations, ‘til the task becomes second nature. Then, after all those investments … time, effort, embarrassment, humility, trust in the coach, self-discipline, delayed gratification, dealing with mistakes, perseverance … the big night comes with pressure, potential adversity, judgment, and a lot on the line. The more deposits that were made during the preparation phase, the grander the reward when it’s showtime. That is success, with interest. In these difficult economic times, there’s no safe place to put your savings that also pays interest.

You see, you can prepare for tough days by practicing some skills during the quiet days. In the mundane, everyday situations, practice seeing God at work in your life. Practice reflecting on and trusting in His character and promises. Memorize verses or stories from the Bible that reinforce these truths. See how He is meeting your needs and caring for you every day.

Communicate with Him regularly each day. Remember, communication is praying and also listening. Then when your storms come (and they will), your trust-balance will be sufficient to see you through. In fact, you will shine brightly, like the star in a play. You will also go to Him more easily in time of need, because you’ve been regularly practicing going to Him.

Today, try making a deposit in His treasury. Pray. Listen to God. Look for Him in your daily activities. Spend time in His instruction manual, thanking Him for what you have, or describing the effects of His character on how you see and navigate your day. The list can be endless. Each time you affirm your trust in Him, it is like putting a coin into His treasury. In doing so, you build up equity you can draw against it during stormy days. He will keep safely in His heart all investments in Him … with interest compounded continually. The more you trust God, the more He will enable you to do so, and the easier it will be to trust Him during the storms. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that the only safe investment is in You. I have tried saving money in my own bank for my security but have lost it all. Help me, Father, turn to trusting You. I see now how my faith and trust in You can grow exponentially. I have seen firsthand that the more I trust You, the more You enable me to trust You even more. Thank You for this Upward-Spiral. You have given us so much revelation of who You are. Help me dig into it during the calm days, so this ‘practice’ will pay off during the stormy days. I pray with trust and confidence through my savior Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say – Amen!

The Truth
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:20