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02-26-2008, 08:29 AM
"Act As If..."
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“Gideon built an altar for worshiping the Lord and called it 'The Lord Calms Our Fears.'” — Judges 6:24 CEV
There is a story that John Wesley was aboard a ship bound from England to America and they experienced a terrible storm. Despite Wesley's professed faith in God, he was very frightened by the storm and feared for his life. He noticed some Moravians aboard the ship who braved the storm without seeming to be bothered at all. After the storm, Wesley, the religious leader, asked one of the Moravian laymen, "How can I have faith like yours?" The man answered, "If you act as if you have faith, before long you will have it." What good advice!
Are you afraid? Act as if you are bold and brave! "If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Are you feeling discouraged or bored? Act enthusiastic! Paul said, "In all our troubles my joy knows no bounds" (II Corinthians 7:4). Are you angry at others? Act as if you like them and then pray for them. It is difficult to stay angry at someone for whom you pray. You'll be surprised at how your attitude will change. Oh, your changed attitude may not come immediately, but have patience. There is a Persian proverb: "Have patience! All things are difficult before they become easy."
You can read the knitting instructions, but until you pick up knitting needles and yarn, you’ll have difficulty learning to knit. It is when you put your thoughts into action that you learn.
Lord God, grant that I always act as if I know you are by my side, helping and guiding me. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”
Listen to this Prayerful Living message in:
Real Audio MP3
“Gideon built an altar for worshiping the Lord and called it 'The Lord Calms Our Fears.'” — Judges 6:24 CEV
There is a story that John Wesley was aboard a ship bound from England to America and they experienced a terrible storm. Despite Wesley's professed faith in God, he was very frightened by the storm and feared for his life. He noticed some Moravians aboard the ship who braved the storm without seeming to be bothered at all. After the storm, Wesley, the religious leader, asked one of the Moravian laymen, "How can I have faith like yours?" The man answered, "If you act as if you have faith, before long you will have it." What good advice!
Are you afraid? Act as if you are bold and brave! "If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Are you feeling discouraged or bored? Act enthusiastic! Paul said, "In all our troubles my joy knows no bounds" (II Corinthians 7:4). Are you angry at others? Act as if you like them and then pray for them. It is difficult to stay angry at someone for whom you pray. You'll be surprised at how your attitude will change. Oh, your changed attitude may not come immediately, but have patience. There is a Persian proverb: "Have patience! All things are difficult before they become easy."
You can read the knitting instructions, but until you pick up knitting needles and yarn, you’ll have difficulty learning to knit. It is when you put your thoughts into action that you learn.
Lord God, grant that I always act as if I know you are by my side, helping and guiding me. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”