December 20

Written by Bill Grandi on December 20th, 2019

First an apology. In my December 19 post I misused a word which changes everything. I originally mistakenly said “the whole reincarnation miracle blows me away.” Jesus was not reincarnated. It should have read “the whole incarnation miracle.”  I have corrected that grave error (heresy-in-the-making) and it now says what it should. My sincere apologies to anyone confused by it.

Okay. On to today’s devotion…

My title for this devotion is Giving Up vs Giving In.

Harsh reality: Sometimes living as a Christ-follower is no fun at all! In fact, sometimes it just downright stinks! There is a constant battle within us of giving up or giving in.

  • Giving in to despair or to God
  • Giving up to the enemy or surrender to God.

I was reminded of that when I read that Susan B. Anthony had a slogan: “Failure is Impossible!” She was known for her steadfast battle in gaining women the right to vote. She died in 1906. The 19th amendment didn’t pass until 1920.

I was also reminded of that when I read 2 Cor.6:8b-10. After defending his apostleship, Paul makes the following statement: “We are treated as imposters, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.”

Paul refused to give up (throw his hand in the air in despair) or give in (to his enemies or his circumstances). Instead he chose to stand firm by giving up his life in surrender to God and giving in to His influence in his life.

“Father, help me to stand firm. If I must give in or give up may it be to You not to my enemies or my circumstances. Help me to stand firm.”

 

3 Comments so far ↓

  1. Amen, Bill! When we give up or give in, may it be for the glory of God.
    Sorry to have been MIA this week, but we couldn’t get the Chrome Book to work correctly at the cabin. We’re home now after a much-need rest.
    Blessings, my friend!

  2. Ryan S. says:

    The constant battle does make one weary for sure. I can’t deny that I have laid down the sword and shield more than a time or two and walked away from the battle…
    Only to find myself surrounded.

    The enemy’s camp is no place to rest or be without the weapons of the battle.

  3. floyd says:

    Indeed. The perspective a believer is eternal. That changes everything. A good reminder for a season that a lot of us still struggle in.