Today’s Bible reading:

If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. — 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

More thoughts for meditation:

This week we are exploring what it means to be dead to sin and alive in Christ. This involves realizing that there are more options and resources available to us than we may know. There is a way out of old patterns, even when we can’t see it. Being alive in Christ involves imagination.

I come from a long line of quick reactors and over-reactors. Most of the reactions come from fear of something worse happening than what is already happening. Dying to sin for me means pausing in that fear and considering what else God might have on the table. What else is possible? What does God want to do? Being alive in Christ means moving with that vision instead of my fear.

Suggestions for action: 

Think about the next year of your life in one big picture, like you are standing on a vista and looking out over the horizon. What would you like to accomplish or become? Invite Jesus into this consideration with you, because more might be possible than you even imagine. Write down your conclusions so you can refer back to them later when you’re tempted to simply react to life’s circumstances.