Devotion for April 21
By Bryan Chapell

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Pet. 1:3).

My wife, Kathy, was helping our daughter with an algebra problem, and by the sound of it … things were not going well. Our straight-A student had burst into tears, claimed she couldn’t do it, and declared, “I’m just so stupid.”

Kathy rarely speaks with an edge, but her stern response was sharp enough to cut through our daughter’s tears. Said Kathy, “Don’t you dare say that. You are a smart and capable young woman, who has all the gifts to do this. Now do the work.”

Kathy told my daughter what she needed to hear to do what was required. And what our daughter needed was a firm reminder of the knowledge and ability she had to handle her problems.

God may speak to us with a similar sternness from Scripture. When he hears our self-defeating cries, he lovingly but firmly corrects, saying, “My divine power has given you everything you need to deal with your problems and live for my glory and goodness. Do not give up. You can do this.”

Even when we have reason to doubt our own abilities, we are called to put our faith in God. He promises to supply all that we need to accomplish all that he assigns for our witness and work. So, we trust his gracious supply and remain faithful to our calling.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to remain faithful to you by trusting your promise to supply everything I need to live a godly life.

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