In the Old Testament, a prophet named Habakkuk was complaining to God about the conditions of the world during his time. God told him to write down his vision, or what he wanted, plainly, so everyone passing by could read it easily and quickly (see Habakkuk 2:1, 2). Habakkuk and the Israelites needed to have their minds renewed. They had looked at the way things were for too long and needed to be reminded of the way things could be if they trusted God and obeyed Him. They needed to have words of vision and hope in front of them to remind them not to be overly impressed with their circumstances.
As you renew your mind and become established in the fact that you can do whatever you need to do in life, you will also need to be deliberate about getting that truth ingrained in your mind. I encourage you to write Philippians 4:13 from the Amplified Bible or one of the Scriptures from the Power Pack at the end of these papers on a cardboard sign or sheet of paper and make it large enough to see even if you’re just passing by. Each time you do, say, “I am able.” Also, several times each day I encourage you to say aloud, “I am able to do whatever I need to do in life through Christ Who strengthens me.” I believe that some of you who feel physically tired most of the time will find that this more positive approach to life actually energizes you. Remember, moods and physical body functions are connected at least in part to our thoughts and words.
If we think about negative circumstances too long, they can easily overwhelm us. No wonder the Bible says we should look away from those things that distract us unto Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2). Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28). We must remember that He is the one Who empowers us to do all things, and look to Him regularly throughout each day. With His help, there’s nothing you can’t do!
Power Pack
“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”
Philippians 4:13
“Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
“Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
