FCA ResourcesDevotional
Taken For Granted
By Ashley Burns
Ready
"If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal." –Philippians 2:1-2
Set
In 2008 I decided to run my second marathon. I was in the middle of my training and "hit a wall." Actually my training buddy and I both hit a wall. After putting in over 50 miles of running a week for 8 straight weeks, our bodies were tired and our motivation was lacking.
Why is it that when we can’t do something, such as not compete due to injury, we would give anything to get back to where we were? Yet when we are in the best shape of our lives, we take for granted the precious gift God has given us.
We don’t realize how much we take something for granted until we’ve lost it. God wants to change that in us. He wants us to be wholly devoted to the gifts and talents He gives us. He wants us to realize how valuable those gifts are and use them to further His kingdom. What do we take for granted? It can be a relationship, a sport, a hobby, or even our devotion to God. Once we recognize a gift from God, it will be harder to take it for granted.
Go
1. Make a list of all the things you take for granted on a daily basis.
2. How can you use those things to glorify God and be filled with joy?
3. Why is it so easy to take these things for granted?
Workout
Colossians 2:2; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 10:24-25
Overtime
Lord, help me to remember that everything I have is from You and to be used for Your glory. Forgive me for the times I have taken my gifts and abilities for granted. Show me on a daily basis how to serve You more. Amen.
Bible Reference:
Hebrews 10
Ministry