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Italy - Val Gardena, South Tyrol Dolomites. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.
Daily Devotion

The Keys to Success

God will work through any person who has a willing and obedient heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Have you ever felt discouraged about trying to live the Christian life? If your efforts to make a difference in the world seem fruitless, following the Lord’s example can change your outlook.

Christ served others in love, and His actions had a tremendous impact on the world. How was He so effective? Scripture tells us that Jesus did not speak or act on His own initiative but instead depended upon His Father’s indwelling presence to do the work (John 14:10). As His children, we are to do likewise.

True service is commissioned, empowered, and blessed by God alone. It may be our hands that are laboring, but our Father is the One at work. And the glory belongs to Him.

What a comfort this is! The Lord is not looking only for people who are extremely talented or influential. He will use all who are willing to let His Spirit work through them. And we can be confident that He will provide everything we need in order to do whatever He asks.

Who among us can serve the living God? Truthfully, none of us can, in our own power. Genuine service occurs only when we allow the Almighty to pour Himself out through us; we are mere vessels. Even if the impact is not obvious, we can trust that God always achieves His purpose.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 55-59