IT’S TIME to FLY a 7-Day Devotion by Joy A. WilliamsSample

Learning to Lean Hard

My dad grew up during the Great Depression of the 1930’s. His mantra was “Stand on your own two feet.” Enduring hard times created his tireless work ethic. As a firefighter, he had a sense of serving others through sacrifice as an expression of his faith.

He and our mom raised us with these values. But at some point, our own two feet fail. The Bible puts it this way, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26 ESV).

The Apostle Paul reemphasized this strength when he wrote, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 ESV). The “him” Paul refers to is Christ. Perhaps Paul also knew, the one who supplies the strength is also the one who gets the glory.

But our limitations can be our realization of our desperate need for God. Life is filled with “lean hard” upon the Lord moments. It’s not that we can do some things on our own and then we let God takeover when we can do no more. Rather, it’s being aware that, “Apart from Him we can do nothing.” (John 15:11).

This truth may not sit well if self-sufficiency is our goal. But if we desire to embrace God as our portion forever, it changes our spiritual posture. We lean hard on His gracious and divine provision for our every need. It’s not that we relinquish responsibility to do good works and be good stewards. Instead, we acknowledge Him in all our ways, knowing He will direct our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Here are some common next steps when it’s time to FLY:

It’s time to forgive and be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-16).

It’s time to dream big and believe God for what’s best.

It’s time to believe nothing is too hard for God, even if it feels too hard for you (Jeremiah 32:17).

To succeed in these or any next steps, we can lean hard on the God who knows our weaknesses and renews our strength (Psalm 103:1-5).

FLY: What would change if you leaned more on God’s wisdom and strength as you struggle with a goal?

PRAY: Dear God, when it comes to standing on my own two feet, I ________. But I need to lean on Your faithfulness instead of my understanding. I choose to lean into Your grace and receive the strength Christ gives. In Jesus’ name, amen.