Day 74: The Will to Obey - Devotions for the Menopausal Woman

 Read: Philippians 4:10-14

The Will To Obey

"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

In the movie, Ella Enchanted, Anne Hathaway plays a young woman "blessed" with the gift of obedience.  This gift soon turns to a curse and gets her into all kinds of trouble.  When she confronts the fairy who gave her the gift, she is told she must find the strength within herself if she wishes to break the spell.

When diabolical people attempt to use this gift against Ella, forcing her to harm others, she is finally faced with the depth of her inner strength.  After many years of unquestioned obedience, Ella finds herself at a crossroads, will she resist the need to obey, or will she break free from this horrible bondage that has dictated her life for so many years?  It isn't easy, but with sweat filled brow, Ella fights with her very being and breaks the wretched curse.

We are a lot like Ella.  Sometimes our hormones rage so strongly that we seem bent on destruction.  That feeling wells up inside of us and it is almost uncontrollable.  We are at the point of destruction and it seems impossible to fight.  But the God who created us has not left us without the power to overcome.  We have the supernatural power of God Himself through the Holy Spirit.  The fight may be emotionally draining, but perseverance is assured for "we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us."

Today's Hot Flash:  In our strength we will never overcome, but in Christ, we have the Almighty Creator's power at our disposal.  We can't fail.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to remember when things seem overwhelming, that all I need do is call on Your power and I will persevere.  I know Father, that You will never fail me, and for this I praise Your Holy Name.  In Jesus precious name, Amen.