Objective: Break free from your comfort zone. Be used by God to fulfill his will. Understand that God’s strength will make up for your weaknesses and insufficiencies.
Diamond Quotes:
“When
we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in
contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” –Peter Marshall
“A diamond is a chunk of coal made good under pressure.” –Henry Kissinger
Pecos Diamonds Factoid: Pecos diamonds are formed from white minerals. The wide variety of color tinting is caused by impurities found in the surrounding sediments where the crystals are formed.
We all have flaws and weaknesses. The good news is God can and will use us in spite of, and sometimes because of those flaws. Usually when we whine out our little excuses to God, he surprises us with innovative solutions!
Abraham complained because he was too old. God relocated him to a new country when he was 75; he was circumcised when he was 99; and he was 100 (Sarah 90) when Isaac was born.
Genesis 12:1, 4 / 17:24-26 / 17:17-19 / 21:5 The LORD had said to Abram, Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. … So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. / Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ismael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that same day. / Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac.” … Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Moses complained that he couldn’t speak well in front of others. God provided his brother as an interpreter.
Exodus 4:10-17 Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or dumb? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it.”
Timothy was accused of being too young. Paul told him not to worry about it.
1 Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Did you realize that Jesus Christ, himself, prayed for you while he was in the Garden of Gethsemane?
John 17:20-21 (NLT) I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
Do you realize no matter how inadequate you might feel, God will provide the strength and courage you need to get the job done?
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
So now that you have some time for reflection, …What’s your excuse?
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we whine and complain. Forgive our tiresome, worn-out excuses. Grant us the courage, strength, and wisdom to be a bold witness for you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional To Boldly Go… appeared first for a Pecos Diamonds Devotional series,
written and compiled by Dotty Willmon, August-September 2018;
updated and posted September 2024 on Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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