24/7 Training TimeIhe Atụ

Peace Within

By: Sue Allred

READY

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”—John 10:10

SET

There are seasons each year where I find myself becoming easily overwhelmed. The pressures of tasks that need to be accomplished, goals that need to be met, relationships that need attention, and the expectations of others all pile up like a heavy barbell on my chest. No amount of planning, organizing, practicing, extra reps, or deep breathing exercises seem to hold off the thoughts that swirl around in my mind.

As I dig into what is weighing on my mind and heart and explore why it has been given so much space in my life, I begin to see a long list of lies that I have allowed Satan to speak into my life: pride in the gifts that God has given me; fear that if I don’t meet my goals in my sport I will lose my spot, or worse, that I am revealed to be not as gifted and am therefore unnecessary or replaceable; and anxiety that God has given me a limited amount of talent, and He won’t equip me for a new season.

The truth is, God gave us gifts and talents to use for His glory. He has given us teammates to help carry the load. His Word promises that He will equip us for the places to which He calls us. Unfortunately, it’s easy to allow those gifts and talents to become central to our identity rather than our relationship with the Giver of the gifts. Misplaced identity leads to fear, pride, exhaustion, and anxiety.

Scripture tells us that Jesus desires that we have peace in Him. In John 14:27, He says “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” When we combat the lies of Satan with the truth of the Gospel, the overwhelming feeling finally subsides, and the joy of competing, serving, and growing for the glory of God overflows our hearts and minds.

GO

1. What is causing you to feel overwhelmed in this season?
2. Dig into those things to discover why they are causing stress.
3. What lies of Satan have been revealed?
4. What is the truth of Scripture with which you can replace those lies?

WORKOUT

• John 14:27
• Romans 15:13
• 1 Corinthians 14:33
• Galatians 5:22

OVERTIME

Lord, thank You that You are the God of peace, love, and hope. Please help me to see the ways I have believed Satan’s lies. Replace those lies with the truth of who I am in You: an adopted, cherished, beloved child of the one true King. In Jesus’ name, amen.