August 10, 2026
A Chosen Path
Our emotions have the power to help us or hurt us. We can choose happiness, challenge problems, and embrace faith no matter what is going on in the world or in our lives. That is exactly what this Scripture is telling us. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Meaning we need to control our emotions rather than allowing our emotions to control us. Life will have ups and downs. Bad things will happen in the world. Earthquakes, tidal waves, fires, and recessions will take place and we will feel an emotional response. There is an adversary, God’s adversary, running loose in the world and he has no good will toward the family of God.
The challenges we endure personally and the challenges we see others go through all serve to help us mature in faith and service. God does not cause wildfires and earthquakes. He does not punish children (or anyone else) with cancer, and he does not cause people to suffer financial ruin. How are we supposed to deal with trouble? In the same way we deal with blessings! We must choose to smile when the rains come. We look back at our histories. Good times and bad times. They come and they go. But God never leaves us.
Every problem has secrets and wisdom hidden inside. When difficulties arise we must be ready to take negative thoughts captive. It isn’t personal. God didn’t do it. He still loves us. We are in control of our reactions. In truth, our reactions to life’s trials will determine the achievement or failure of our dreams.
Challenges are common to man. View them for what they are, growing pains. Whether life runs into financial, health, occupation or even safety issues, we have to keep our perspective. Blessings and troubles are seasons. They eventually end. It isn’t personal. When cars break down and heat pumps go out, no one is trying to hurt you. You just drew the short straw that day.
God loves us. He wants our lives to be splendid. He sees a glorious season coming and He wants us to recognize the low spots are as much a part of life as the high places. He wants us to have faith that He is walking beside us, and joy comes in the morning. The moment we gain control of our thinking we will be ready to take another step up in our service to the Lord.
Father God, I am sorry for all the times I felt You let me down when something went wrong in my life. Help me understand I can see the power and blessing hidden in every challenge I encounter. I remember Lord how much easier life was when I was young. I never imagined the kind of violence we see these days. I repent for feeling like our adversary is getting stronger. I have read the end of your Word and I know we win. Right now, Lord, I will take control of my thoughts and I will focus on Your many loving promises to me.
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Matthew 6:30