All Things New: 21 Day DevotionalSample

Turning Challenges into Blessings

The idiom ‘to bury one’s head in the sand’ originated from the supposed habit of ostriches hiding their heads in the sand when faced with attacks by predators. The notion is that the ostrich seems to believe that if it cannot see its attacker, then the attacker cannot see it. What a comical sight that must be! 

Well, it will be silly to think that Christianity gives us immunity from hard times just as the sand does to the ostrich. God has called us to trust Him for the strength needed to get through that Valley of Weeping (Psalm 84:5-6). Not to escape, or go another route, but to get through it. As we choose to rely solely on Him, our valley experiences become a place of significant growth and victory! 

In the valley, we grow deeper in our understanding of God as a comforter who never leaves us nor forsakes us. We learn of His provision and grace as we get through those hard times. Our faith grows as we experience His might and power working in and through our situations.

If we have not made the most of our valley experiences, we can choose to do so in this new season. Watch how God will not only see us through our challenges, but also heal us of our hurts and  disappointments. In this way, our hurts can be turned around for His redemptive purposes in bringing healing to others.

Finally, I thought you would like to know, that ostriches do not actually bury their heads in sand to avoid their attackers. Instead, they lower their heads into the sand to feed, to be resourced, to draw the strength they need to fight or take flight should a predator attack. Likewise, Christians should draw from God as they face or go through valley experiences and in so doing, they emerge victorious.

Reflection

Review how you have always been responding to difficult times in your life. 

In this new season, what is one practical thing you want to change about the way you respond to challenges?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You that I can look back in my life and say that You have never once failed me. Today, I declare that I will choose to trust in You no matter the circumstances and rely solely on You to give me strength.