I read this short devotional just a moment ago and it could not have come at a more perfect moment.  It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, with many roller coaster-like ups and downs.  I feel like Satan has been working double time lately, because he felt like my heart was becoming too filled with God.  That’s the one and only thing that scares satan- relationship with Christ.  Of course, I can’t blame everything on satan, because it takes my heart and mind’s attention to be distracted by it.

God gave us a choice, but sometimes I feel like it is an honor and gift that I am still too immature and ill-equipped to handle. It amazes me that in spite of my unsteady faith; God’s love, support, and guidance remain constant.   God is one of those teachers we all dream about…the ones who give the answers to the test as a study guide for the actual exam.  His Word is there to arm us against attacks from satan and ourselves.

I feel like God sent this one special delivery today!   It is a great reminder of what our purpose is on this earth, what we should and shouldn’t put our weight in, and how we go about keeping focused.  What a great encouragement!  Here is the devotional I was talking about…Enjoy!

Purposeful Pursuits

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV: Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

“I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Eccl. 2 10-11). Solomon had seen it all, tried it all, and denied himself nothing. And upon careful reflection, he concluded that there is but one good cause for mankind: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). There is much to shake us, much to stir, much to cause strife, much to distract, and much to disturb us in our efforts to stand firm in Christ. Whether it be things of the world, things of pleasure, or things of selfish pursuit; they are things that leave us empty. Our greatest joy, fulfillment, meaning and purpose shall only and always be found in Christ all else, is a chasing after the wind.