The following is an excerpt of our September “Seasonings” presentation held at Dunn Bros Coffee Shop in Eden Prairie, MN. Please join us for our next gathering, Wednesday, October 19 at 9:30 a.m. – the Third Wednesday of the month.
With school back in full swing, it doesn’t matter if you are a student or just sending kids off to school each day, we all feel the change in the air and our lives this time of year. Gone are the lazy days of summer. Here are the hectic schedules, kids’ activities, meals on the go, and days that fly by like the newly fallen leaves on the ground.
How then can we thrive, instead of just survive, in this busy, stress-filled world?
We need look no further than the ABC’s of the Bible to provide the answer as we face the storms of life. 
A-mazing Me!
Often we forget that WHO we are is more important than WHAT we do. In Psalm 139, we are described as, “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I’m sure you can think right now of at least 3 amazing people in your life.
But I’m also fairly certain your own name isn’t on the list.
Consider the Bible as the original “Self-Help” book, and take it’s advice: give yourself credit for all you have done in a day or week, instead of focusing on your failures.
B-efore and B-ehind Me!
God goes before us in all we do. Remembering this and claiming his promise helps us in times of fear or self-doubt. He also comes behind you following that sticky conversation, stressful work situation or (insert your situation here!). What a relief to know we are not in this alone. Visualize God “hemming” us in and that he knows all your comings and goings.
We are easily overwhelmed when we face life alone, but knowing the One has our front and back can make all the difference.
C-hrist Strengthens Me!
How often do we fall into the trap of self-reliance? Life hands us lemons and we say, “I’ll make lemonade – no matter how hard I have to squeeze!” Our “Do it myself!” mentality (frustrating in 2-year-olds, ironically) is no less frustrating to God. We turn to our own strengths, talents and limited abilities (even amazing people have limits) and completely leave God out of the equation.
How drastically our outlook would change if we internalized, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13 In His power, we can do more than all we ask or imagine. On our own, we are just an empty vessel trying to manipulate life to suit our needs.
Back to school can be met with success, if you focus on a new set of ABC’s.
Which of these ABC’s is your greatest struggle? We’d love to hear your comments below.