Philippians 2:13 (PHILLIPS),  "For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose."

Think

"When you do things God's way, you get God's results." When it comes to change, as we've been learning, there's something that we must all come to admit: Without God, we cannot experience lasting change. But we all have a choice. We can continue to rely on our own strength, or we can hand over control to God. It's like choosing to drive a golf cart across the country versus flying in an airplane. Golf carts lack the durability and power to travel hundreds of miles. An airplane, however, is built for that kind of travel. Likewise, we are just as ill-equipped and powerless on our journey to becoming who God has called us to be and doing what He has called us to do. It's hard, though, to relinquish control and admit that we need help. But when it comes to working through the dysfunction in our lives, we will never succeed as long as we continue to diss God's function. It is only when we put our faith in Christ that we discover the catalyst for real change. When we willingly surrender to God's power, He can turn our greatest weaknesses into our greatest strengths. This journey to wellness, however, does not come without difficulty. We may have to face certain uncomfortable truths. We may have to experience the inevitable conflict that comes with change and growth. And at times, it may even seem as if God's not working on our timeline for change. But a faith that's never been tested is a faith that can't be trusted! Therefore, as you continue to rely on God for true change, trust Him even when things get tough. And remember, God's strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Act

What is something you need to relinquish control of and trust God with? What is stopping you from relying on God's power? Surrender it to God by saying, "Father, I need help! May Your will – not my will – be done!" Then thank Him in advance for what He will do in and through you!

Pray

Dear Lord, thank You for Your awesome and infinite wisdom and strength. Empower me to live according to Your will and to overcome the dysfunctional aspects of my life. I see Your power at work within my life and praise You for it. In Jesus' name, Amen.