"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die."
- Revelation 3:2
 
When a person has sustained a loss or a handicap, he is apt to focus attention upon that which was taken from him. The result may be a growing self-pity or a bitterness against God.
 
What a change takes place, however, when we take inventory of that which remains and then live and work with it. Some people have achieved much more within the area of their handicaps than they did when they were in possession of all their powers. They have grown spiritually as God shut them in. Looking at the pierced hands and His wounded side, they have learned anew how great is God's love in Christ.
 
Thomas made the mistake of living with his doubts. He paid for it with days of inner conflicts. He then strengthened His faith as he rejoined the disciples. Out of this meeting came the faith which . . .

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die."
- Revelation 3:2
 
When a person has sustained a loss or a handicap, he is apt to focus attention upon that which was taken from him. The result may be a growing self-pity or a bitterness against God.
 
What a change takes place, however, when we take inventory of that which remains and then live and work with it. Some people have achieved much more within the area of their handicaps than they did when they were in possession of all their powers. They have grown spiritually as God shut them in. Looking at the pierced hands and His wounded side, they have learned anew how great is God's love in Christ.
 
Thomas made the mistake of living with his doubts. He paid for it with days of inner conflicts. He then strengthened His faith as he rejoined the disciples. Out of this meeting came the faith which enabled him to say to the risen Savior: "My LORD and my God."
 
If you read Psalm 73 you will see the writer was guilty of the same error.
 
Christian friends, let us make sure that our lives have strong signs of life. As we walk with the LORD, feed on His Word, grow in grace, and seek to win the lost, we help make our lives more alive than dead.
 
O Breath of Life, come sweeping through us,
Revive us with life and power;
O Breath of Life, come cleanse, renew us,
And fit this life to meet this hour.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - "LORD, grant us such a faith as this."