Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily DevotionalSample

A Willingness to Change I started smoking when I was nine years old. I liked it because it relaxed me, and for a long time, I didn't want to quit. By the time I knew I should quit, I didn't want to because I thought I'd put on weight. That was my excuse for years. Then I got into this cycle where I would quit and start again, quit and start again. But I reached my crisis point when I wanted to smoke so much I started sneaking out during church to lie down in the seat of my car and smoke. That's when I knew I had to make a change. There usually comes a crisis point before a lot of us are willing to change. For example, sometimes it takes a heart attack for a person to start eating right. But you don't have to wait for your crisis point. You can just bite the bullet and say, "That's it. I'm done with this." The Bible says that we can "choose life." God has provided you with the support and ability to change, but you have to be willing to, otherwise your crisis point will hit you hard and fast. It's so much easier to "choose life" before you reach that point. Don't be afraid to be a little uncomfortable for awhile. I finally achieved freedom from smoking, and it wasn't easy...but I didn't have to do it alone. If you think you're not ready to change, just take it to God and say, "Help me, help me, help me." I'm telling you that with the help of God and a decision on your part to "choose life," you can truly, permanently change for the better. Prayer Starter: God, You have given me a choice, and I choose life! I know change is hard, but I ask You to help me. With Your help and my willingness to change, I know I can overcome any obstacle.