It’s A Problem

Ephesians 6:10-17

Rory slouched through the kitchen door and dropped into a chair next to Mom, who was holding his baby sister, Amy. Mom could see he had something on his mind, but she said nothing, waiting for him to come out with it.

“I have a problem,” he said at last with a sigh. “I’m always losing my temper. I know God doesn’t want me to do that.”

“No,” agreed Mom as she stood Amy on her feet. “Guess what?” she added. “Amy took her first step today. And you took a first step too. You admitted that you have a problem.”

Together they watched Amy take a few wobbly steps. Then . . . plop! Down she went. Her face puckered, but she crawled to a chair and pulled herself up again. Rory watched as Amy walked a few more steps and then fell again. “She’ll never learn to walk,” he said grimly.

“Of course she will. Amy is a perfectly normal baby. You started out exactly the same way,” said Mom, “and look how strong your legs are now. The Christian walk works that way too.”

Rory’s face broke into a wide grin—he was a strong runner. “You mean if I keep trying to stop losing my temper, I’ll get better at that, too?” he asked thoughtfully.

Mom smiled and nodded as she picked up Amy. “But you will need God’s help too.”

“Yeah,” Rory agreed soberly. “I already know I can’t do it by myself.” He got up and headed for his room. “I’m going to talk to God about it.”

How about You?

Have you admitted that you have a problem, such as losing your temper, acting selfishly, or disliking others? That’s the first step toward overcoming it. Then look to God for the strength to gain control over it. He wants you to have the victory, and he will help you.

Memorize:

“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philippians 4:13