Steps to Living a Blessed Life

Devotional–Steps to Living a Blessed Life from The Struggle of Sanctification by S. Johnson

If you are over the age of 50 then you can appreciate the innovative changes [technology, strategies to work smarter not harder, work from home, etc.] that have reduced the mental and physical strain we suffered from doing tasks that always required taxing efforts. Yes, change is primarily good, especially when it delivers quality results and allows time for relaxation and restoration of the mind, body, and soul.

God’s Divine Intervention is above and beyond our best efforts to have a better quality of life. Yet some believers do not have God’s joy and peace. They choose to live alternate lifestyles which include following the advice of others, busyness, and the pursuit of personal desires. Relying on their judgment, they create an overall compromise of the mental, emotional, and physical state of equilibrium of their minds and bodies. Not only are they stressed, but their resistance also places them outside of God’s safety net for receiving the benefits of His promises.

Yes, we have the right to make decisions without asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit, but the consequence is suffering from hardship and the additional burden of a failed solution.

We were not created to figure things out! “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

The Warning: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” John 16:33

The Promise: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit [penitent, humbled by our own sins and failures, seeking after God. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” Psalm 34:17-19

God is never intrusive. He has given us free will of choice. Yes, God patiently waits for us to ask for His intervention. With His help, we can enjoy peace even when times are hard. Serving God does not stop life’s trials and hardships. Even so, unlike our best efforts of creating solutions, failing, and trying again, His promises are steadfast and provide fail-proof resolution.

With God, we have the opportunity to live a life without suffering the consequences of making unfavorable decisions. “Human Effort plus Divine Intervention always equals Victorious Outcomes!”

The Israelites received this promise: “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace'” (Exodus 14:13-14).

God is waiting to give us our best lives not only now, but also eternally in the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Prayer: God, we have chosen the hard life of the transgressor by excluding You. We ask for forgiveness for doing it our way. Yes, we need Your help every day. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in Jesus’ worthy name. Amen.