LET'S DE-STRESS DEVOTIONAL

"And Jesus said to them,

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?...

According to your faith let it be to you."

Matthew 9:28-29

"Devoted to relieving stress using principles based on God's Word."

WALK BY FAITH

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
II Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

WHO IS willing to walk by faith?
WHAT IS it like to walk by faith?
WHEN IS it time to walk by faith?
WHERE IS it the right place to walk by faith?
WHY IS it that stress-survivors walk by faith?

After we've tried repeatedly to walk away from stress and discovered that whatever direction we turn, we're confronted with stress, we eventually come to the conclusion that we cannot continue to walk stressful paths.

Therefore, stress-survivors have decided to walk by faith.

Walking by faith is doing what God says do, when He says do it, and how He says do it. This we do, not selectively for certain situations, but in all things and at all times.

Sure, there are instances when it seems like our faith walk is not effective and that we continue stepping in the same old ruts. But let's not be discouraged by the way things may seem.

We'd do well to remember the old adage "Looks can be deceiving." They really can--especially when walking by faith. Just because we see--or don't see--something this minute doesn't mean we will or won't see it the next minute.

And it "ain't" Abracadabra!

When we trust in the Lord with our whole heart and lean not to our own understanding, we take issues from our feeble hands (the natural) and place them in God's powerful hands (the supernatural).

Knowing that God sees, hears, and understands everything in this world, we leave our stresses to Him. In the meantime, we keep trusting . . . keep believing . . . and keep walking by faith.

Peace I leave with you . . .

FAITH

Now faith

is the substance

of things hoped for,

the evidence of

things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Peace I leave with you . . .

IMPERFECT PEOPLE

NORTH OR SOUTH -- East or West -- young, old, rich or poor, people are not perfect. Despite all the "cute" little lies, none of us are absolute angels. As so often stated, "Nobody is perfect."


Regardless of who says what . . . we all have flaws. Without a doubt, mine, yours, and ours are bound to surface from time to time -- in one way or another.

Even though we honestly agree with this, there's still considerable stress as to how to deal with people when their imperfections cross the line and become offensive.

Because we believe "people aren't perfect," does that acceptance, alone, spare us from the terrible stresses that some individuals cause? How many times can we literally turn the other cheek, especially when hit for no reason?

When face to face with inconsiderate or unpleasant people, what do we do? How do we remain calm and refrain from falling into the abyss of stress?

First and foremost, WE STAY FOCUSED. Remember that focus is key. And when we refuse to be intimidated or humiliated by imperfect actions or reactions, we shield ourselves from unnecessary stress.

And, by all means, WE KEEP A GOOD SPIRIT. "A Good Spirit?" Absolutely! We foster a positive attitude and strive to block negativity from our mind. We steer clear of silly and self-centered drama. Situations and circumstances flow far better when we keep a pleasant disposition.

Whether big flaws, little flaws, or those in-between, all of them can cause countless stresses. So when forced to deal with imperfections, instead of giving people a "piece" of our mind, we who are wise will be careful to maintain our "Peace" of mind.



Peace I leave with you . . .