4 Minute Devotions: Real Success

I discovered real success today at the funeral of a lady who overcame hardship, and transformed her children's lives into something positive.

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Psalm 71:20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

Today, I led a funeral for a lady who was abandoned by her husband when her children were still young. It happened at a time when single mothers were shunned by “polite” society, so she had to start her life afresh in a new community. It was a hard choice to make because it meant leaving behind most of her family and friends, but this lady was determined to do the best that she could for her children, so that they would not be defined by the trouble in her life.

At the funeral, her family spoke of their gratitude and appreciation of her fortitude and determination. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were all there to respect her memory and celebrate her life. It was a wonderful opportunity to express their delight in her life and the success of her choices. The troubles she experienced decades ago paled into insignificance as the beauty of her achievements were honored and remembered.

Life can be hard for all of us at times. We each go through seasons of loss and sadness, frustration and fear, anguish and anxiety. That’s when the promises in the Bible can be our foundations for something better in the future. I know that when I go through tough times, I rely upon God’s Word like nothing on earth. And even words from the psalms, which were written three thousand years ago, give me the hope and encouragement that I need.

So, whatever you’re currently going through, or whatever trouble you’re experiencing, hold on to God’s blessings and promises for the future. Like the psalmist, you may see some trouble and bitterness, but God will restore your life again. He will bring you up from the depths of despair.

Prayer: Lord God, our lives go through so many changes and difficulties at times, but You are the One Constant in our lives that we can completely depend upon. You inspired people thousands of years ago to express their faith in the midst of their fears. We thank You that even today, we can find comfort, solace, and hope through the very same words. Be with us and bless us in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor at Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

4 Minute Devotions: The Secret of Success

An attitude of gratitude, especially towards God, paves the way for us to be more confident about what we do, and can lead us to success.

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I’ve tried hard to overcome this failing of mine, but I can’t abide ungrateful people. I guess it’s because I grew up with so little that I feel the need to thank God for everything each day. When I see people in trouble, experiencing illness, or going through a crisis, they usually want God’s help. They turn to Him and the Church for guidance, counsel, support, and wisdom. After the crisis has been averted, most people are very thankful to God and keep on worshipping Him. They remember His kindness and use their experiences to help other people in similar circumstances.

Sadly, throughout my twenty five years in ministry, I have come across a handful of people who don’t change. I’ve seen God do mighty things in their lives and even what I would call miracles, but it didn’t change their character, their pride, or their ungrateful ways. And that just frosts and frustrates me. I guess it’s what Jesus calls ‘casting pearls before pigs.’ They just take the goodness and kindness from their blessings, and end up trampling the beauty of God’s gifts in the mud.

2 Chronicles32:25 But Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD's wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.

Hezekiah was a great king. In fact, he is one of my favorite characters from the whole Bible. But he also had some pride issues, which had to be dealt with and overcome. I am so glad that he managed to deal with his ingratitude and turned things around so that, as the Bible states, ‘He succeeded in everything he undertook.’ His new attitude of gratitude gave him a creed to succeed.

The lesson for all of us today is this: have we taken God’s goodness for granted and turned away from His blessings? Have we forgotten how to thank Him for His loving kindness, even for the kindness of granting us another day?

Prayer: Lord God, You have intervened in each of our lives and there have been many moments when we have called upon You for help. You have remained faithful to us; we are sorry if we have failed to do the same. Enable us to clearly see how much You have blessed, transformed, and even saved our lives. May we never take those blessings for granted, and may we always worship You. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.