"I Will Grow Stronger!"

Everyone wants to live this Christian life without falling, failing, and ultimately frustrating or displeasing God. Yet, every now and again we happened to find ourselves in one of these categories. If I'm talking to you... know that you are not by yourself. It happens to the best of us. But here's the good news...

...No one in this world and in this life is perfect. So please don't think that just because you have made mistakes in past that you will not learn and grow from them in the future. And please do not think that the only thing you are good for is making more mistakes. The devil is a liar! The decision to overcome your battles is up to you, but the power comes from the Lord.

In order to change our circumstances or our situations, the first change begins with us. So stop blaming everyone else for the way you are, or why you are in the mess that you are in. Now, I will admit that there are some situations that are caused by others; however, the folk that caused them do not have the power to determine how we will respond.

John Maxwell says in his book "The Difference Maker," that our attitudes are our greatest assets. But it all depends on how we choose to use it. Whatever attitude, mindset, or disposition we choose in any given situation will determine our strength over the matter, which will reveal our growth.

However, this strength and this growth is not manufactured on our own. Jesus once said while teaching on the mount, "blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." To those who chase after Him and those who sacrifice for Him for the sake of cultivating a love relationship with Him will be filled with His Presence and Power.

In this new year, seek Him like never before. Hunger and thirst after Him like never before. Especially when you know that it's His strength that will fill you. Overcoming our battles requires a decision to give Him our all. Choose Him today! And walk, talk, and stand with the attitude that says, "2009 is mine!" This is my year that I will grow stronger!