The Force

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.” (Nehemiah 9:30-31).

In the 17th century, Sir Isaac Newton, a mathematician and physicist contributed significantly to the field of science with his invention of calculus and the understanding of optics. But his most significant work had to do with the forces, specifically with the development of a universal law of gravitation and his three laws of motion. His first law of motion helps us understand why, when a soccer ball is kicked, it heads in a specific direction unless acted on by force. To paraphrase Sir Isaac Newton, a soccer ball on the grass will remain in a state of rest unless acted on by force.

You may not realize it, but Newton’s law is at work in our lives every day whether we’re aware of it or not. Like that soccer ball, our lives are moving in a particular direction and unless we do something different to change course, we may end up at an undesirable destination. We may have good intentions along the way, but Newton’s law is indifferent to our intentions.

The same holds true in our spiritual lives. The journey from first putting your trust in God to becoming strong and grounded in your faith can be long and challenging. Many believers make the mistake along the way that if they change their outside appearance, environment or actions, they’ll grow in their faith and while that’s helpful, lasting change only happens when our hearts are changed. The good news is that transformation is possible for the Christian with the help of the Holy Spirit, the ‘force’ that stirs us up and changes us from the inside out.

After the city of Jerusalem had been restored from ruin in Nehemiah 9, God’s people sought the Lord through prayer, fasting, confession, and the hearing of the Word for seven straight days. During that time, Nehemiah continually reminds them that apart from God they can do nothing and nor can we. Like the people of God, we each have a choice whether to continue to strive in our own power or to turn our eyes to God and seek His help through the Holy Spirit.

Are you yearning to grow deeper in your faith and become more like Jesus? Then maybe it’s time to move from your “state of rest” and allow the Holy Spirit to convict, guide, fill, form, reveal and teach you as you seek God through His Word.

Listen to the sermon series: How to Prepare for a Season of Change

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Ladies! Are you looking to revitalize your walk with Christ and regain clarify for His purposes in your life? Then, don’t miss ReNew, a one-day women’s conference hosted by Moody Radio virtual or in-person in Canton, Ohio on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Featuring in-depth biblical insight and uplifting worship, you’re sure to discover the riches of Scripture in the company of other women. Don’t miss it! Learn more at moodyconferences.com