Shelter in Place with Joni: A 7-Day Devotional Reading Plan Sample

Faith Muscles

Candy, a fellow quadriplegic, was my exercise partner in physical therapy. Every day the physical therapist positioned our wheelchairs in front of a wall of weights and pulleys for an hour of strenuous exercise. I remember sweating and straining while Candy merely played with lifting weights, not taking the task of physical therapy seriously.

Years later, when I returned to the hospital for a checkup, I ran into Candy. I was shocked. Her arms were thin, and she looked weak and tired. As quadriplegics, we both had the same potential for gaining strength. But from lack of exercise, her muscles had atrophied and were useless. 

There are many Christians who are like Candy—they play around, believing that the Christian life will just “happen” to them without any real commitment or tough obedience. As a result, they have very little power in their lives and no stamina when the hard times hit. For this very reason, we must make every effort to remain strong in the Lord. Growth as a Christian doesn’t just happen; we grow only when we exercise our faith.

Are you growing stronger in Christ? One way to tell is by measuring your life up against 2 Peter 1:5‑8. Do you possess knowledge and self-control in an increasing measure? Has godliness and brotherly affection made your life effective and productive?

Prayer

Today, may I be strong in you, Lord, and in your mighty power. Strengthen my heart with your grace so that I might add to my life goodness and knowledge, self-control and perseverance.

This devotional reading plan is from the Beyond Suffering Bible published by Tyndale House Publishers in partnership with Joni and Friends. Discover More.