Aiming High

Open

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

 

Introduction

In our journey through life, we often set our sights on lofty goals and dreams. These aspirations can seem daunting, but with the right approach, they become achievable. By aiming high, relying on our strengths, and trusting in the support of our loved ones and our faith, we can reach new heights.

 

Devotional Story

There once was a young woman named Maria who dreamed of becoming a doctor. Coming from a small town, many thought her dreams were too big. However, Maria believed in the strengths and gifts God had given her. She worked diligently in school, always remembering to seek God’s guidance in her studies. Her family stood by her, offering encouragement and support.

 

Despite numerous challenges, Maria pressed on. She trusted that with God’s help, she could overcome any obstacle. After years of hard work and perseverance, Maria graduated at the top of her class and was accepted into a prestigious medical school. Her faith, combined with her determination and the support of her loved ones, made her dream a reality.

 

What This Means

Maria’s story reminds us that no dream is too big when we rely on the strengths God has given us and the support of those around us. By aiming high and keeping our faith strong, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible. Trust in God’s plan and believe in the abilities He has blessed you with.

 

Think About This

– What dreams has God placed on your heart?

– How can you use your strengths to pursue these dreams?

– Who are the people in your life that support and encourage you?

– How can your faith guide you through challenges?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the dreams and aspirations You have placed in our hearts. Help us to aim high and trust in the strengths and gifts You have given us. Surround us with loved ones who will support and encourage us. Strengthen our faith so we may trust in Your plan and achieve the dreams You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalms 37:5 (KJV)

 

Finding Peace in the Shadow

Opening Verse

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27 (KJV)

Introduction

Life is like a journey on a wide ocean under a beautiful sky. Sometimes, though, big shadows, like those from worries and fears, can cover us. These shadows can shake our peace and slow us down. It’s like our dreams are the sky and clouds, but the hard stuff we face are shadows on the water.

Devotional Story

Imagine you’re in a boat on a big, calm sea. Above you, the sky is full of your dreams, shining bright and beautiful. But then, you see a big shadow across the water. It’s the shadow of a blimp. It’s not right there with you, but it makes everything look darker. This shadow is like all the hard things outside of us—maybe at work, with friends, or just things happening around us—and the worries inside us, like being scared we won’t make it or not feeling good enough.

What This Means

The shadow of the blimp reminds us there are hard things that come with chasing our dreams. But just because there’s a shadow doesn’t mean our dreams are gone. The shadow shows up because there’s something big and bright like our dreams. Our challenges are part of the trip to reaching what we hope for.

Think About This

When shadows make it hard to see your dreams, remember the light that made them. That light is like Jesus’s love for us. He’s the one who helps us see past the shadows to the bright sky of our dreams again.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, when shadows come over me, help me see Your light. Remind me that You are bigger than any shadow. Help me keep my eyes on You, so I can walk through shadows without fear, keeping my peace and moving forward. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)