I read a magazine article recently about a young lady named Kathryn who says she’s implemented a new rule for life that most of us would do well to adopt: “She’s not allowed to beat herself up.” She goes on to explain that she grew up in an abusive situation with lots of criticism and negatively. Verbally and emotionally she was regularly “beaten up” by the people around her. She was told she was dumb, and ugly, and fat, and worthless. So her new rule is that even when she fails she looks for the positive.
For instance, some time ago she decided to go to the gym and start working out. She was overweight and self-conscious, but decided to do something about it. She got in her car, drove to the gym, got out and walked up to the huge picture window and looked in. She saw the trim young bodies in their fashionable workout clothes and yoga pants and she just couldn’t bring herself to go in. She turned around and drove back home.
Kathryn says normally such a failure would have thrown her into a destructive cycle of self hate and depression. She would have beaten herself up for a couple of days, eaten a half-gallon of ice cream and felt even worse. Instead this time she told herself “Hey, at least you made it to the gym. Next time you’ll go in.”
That’s a great story for reminding us that a tiny step toward a goal is still a step. We don’t have to make giant leaps of progress—small steps will get the job done.
I’m convinced Satan loves to tell us we’re worthless, good-for-nothing sinners who will never be good enough to please God. We’ll never conquer our bad habits. We’ll never have a meaningful prayer life. We’ll never be used by God. But the Bible tells me I am loved. (John 3:16) Romans 8: 1 tells us “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Instead, Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31) and that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) So just tell Satan to take a number and get behind you. You don’t have to listen to his criticisms and lies.
The important thing is to not give up. Just keep pressing on and eventually you’ll reach your goal. By the way, the lady Kathryn, I mentioned, now regularly runs marathons and is fit, trim and athletic. So whatever your goals are, keep at them. Give yourself a pat on the back. Tell yourself, “Good job!” Remind yourself today that God loves you, you’re His child and that He is excited about even the smallest progress that you’re making spiritually. Let me say, I’m proud of you too!
Have a good week
Pastor Barry
P. S. Be praying for our Guatemala team!
For instance, some time ago she decided to go to the gym and start working out. She was overweight and self-conscious, but decided to do something about it. She got in her car, drove to the gym, got out and walked up to the huge picture window and looked in. She saw the trim young bodies in their fashionable workout clothes and yoga pants and she just couldn’t bring herself to go in. She turned around and drove back home.
Kathryn says normally such a failure would have thrown her into a destructive cycle of self hate and depression. She would have beaten herself up for a couple of days, eaten a half-gallon of ice cream and felt even worse. Instead this time she told herself “Hey, at least you made it to the gym. Next time you’ll go in.”
That’s a great story for reminding us that a tiny step toward a goal is still a step. We don’t have to make giant leaps of progress—small steps will get the job done.
I’m convinced Satan loves to tell us we’re worthless, good-for-nothing sinners who will never be good enough to please God. We’ll never conquer our bad habits. We’ll never have a meaningful prayer life. We’ll never be used by God. But the Bible tells me I am loved. (John 3:16) Romans 8: 1 tells us “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Instead, Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31) and that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) So just tell Satan to take a number and get behind you. You don’t have to listen to his criticisms and lies.
The important thing is to not give up. Just keep pressing on and eventually you’ll reach your goal. By the way, the lady Kathryn, I mentioned, now regularly runs marathons and is fit, trim and athletic. So whatever your goals are, keep at them. Give yourself a pat on the back. Tell yourself, “Good job!” Remind yourself today that God loves you, you’re His child and that He is excited about even the smallest progress that you’re making spiritually. Let me say, I’m proud of you too!
Have a good week
Pastor Barry
P. S. Be praying for our Guatemala team!
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