Encouragement for Today - Feb. 28, 2011

February 28, 2011
Always the Same
Zoe Elmore

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)

Devotion:

Turn off the alarm, stumble to the coffee pot, get myself ready, eat breakfast, and drive to the office. My morning routine is always the same. I could probably get through it with my eyes shut and, truth be told, many mornings I do. Except for the part where I'm driving of course.

Upon entering the office I begin another routine. Five phone lines incessantly ring while clients impatiently wait to check in. Appointments are made, changed and cancelled, all the while I smile with a cheery attitude. After all, I am thankful to have work to do.

Anyone paying attention might think my life has been reduced to unending days of "always the same." That may be the case for now, but the reality is this time of sameness is simply one chapter in my life story.

Just as other life chapters have ended, this chapter will also end at some point, and God will turn the page beginning a new chapter with daily challenges of its own.

When I think about my different life chapters, I'm reminded to pray Psalm 31:14-15a over each of them: "But I trust in you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.' My times are in your hands" (NIV).

It's so important for us to remember that our heavenly Father has ordained our days, even our "always the same" days for our good and His glory. While we might see them as mundane, boring, frustrating or even miserable, the Lord can use the circumstances of these days to transform us into a clear reflection of Him.

In the midst of our circumstances we might long for change, but we can rest in the One who never changes. Hebrews 13:8 tells us "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (NIV). This verse is an encouragement to celebrate each day by persevering and staying the course because Jesus "ever lives, and is ever the same…merciful, powerful, and all-sufficient" (Matthew Henry).

The One who knows us best and loves us most is present to provide everything we need to continue on until He changes our circumstances.

Will you join me today, taking a closer look at our "always the same days" and begin to see them as opportunities to trust the One who never changes. The One who holds our time and our lives in His hands.

Dear Lord, sometimes I get overwhelmed by life's circumstances, but I thank You that You are my faithful Rock on which I can rely. I choose to place my confidence in You and ask You to help me persevere so I can receive what you have promised no matter what my days look like. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
The Uncommon Woman: Making an Ordinary Life Extraordinary by Susie Larson

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

Visit Zoe's Blog

Application Steps:
Ask God to show you His purpose in your "always the same" days.

Reflections:
How would my life be different if I celebrated in the midst of this life chapter?

Power Verses:
Titus 3:14, "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessitates and not live unproductive lives." (NIV)

James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (NIV, 1984)