HomeWord - May 4, 2009

Attitude and Circumstances
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.— Philippians 4:11-13

I love the story of the little boy who was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, baseball cap in place, toting ball and bat. He was heard to say, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world." Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it and missed. "Strike one." Undaunted he picked up the ball, threw it into the air and said to himself, "I'm the greatest baseball hitter ever," and then he swung at the ball again. And again, he missed. "Strike two!" He paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. Then a third time he threw the ball into the air. "I'm the greatest hitter who ever lived," he exclaimed. He swung the bat hard again, and missed a third time. He cried out, "Wow! Strike three. What a pitcher! I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"

His circumstances hadn't changed but his attitude had changed, and that makes all the difference in the world. What difficult time are you going through right now? Is there really something that can change it? If you can do something about it, great; don't wait another day. But if you can't change the circumstance, then change your attitude and that will make all the difference in the world.

GOING DEEPER: