Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10

Giving up feels like laying down. Quitting feels like sapping our strength.

Part of the reason we barrel onward is the inability to see the long game. Yes, stopping causes temporary pain, permanent change and a whole host of rearrangements in our lives.

But the long-term benefits are priceless. We trade reliance on our vices for reliance on God. We trade the tumultuous, high speed wrecking ball for the still, quiet assurance of the next right things.

And we are not crippled. It can feel like we conceded everything, including our self-worth. But rebirth requires death first.

Dying to self is not the end. It’s the entryway to living under the true power, the full authority and the ultimate freedom of our Creator.

It’s in this way that we can stand strong. Not of our own accord like we are used to, but under his guidance.

We are given strength to the extent that we will wield it for His good purposes. This is purpose with substance. Before we were persistently striving for fulfillment from a source that always ran dry and never satisfied. Now, we are given access to a well that never runs out.

Usually, it’s me standing in my own way. Today, with years of sober time under my belt, the desire to be at the center of my own life still creeps in to try and steal the show.

I’m at my best when I start my days in the right frame of mind: how can I best carry out His will today? Then, as the work of the day gets underway, I can be in constant contact with Him as I allow myself to be guided back into focus, into His will, into the strength provided for me.

God, grant me all the strength I need to navigate the day ahead.