Today's inspiration comes from: Soul Fuel by Bear Grylls |
|
| Editor's note: Bear Grylls is a survivor. You've likely seen him on one of his many survival and adventure TV shows, such as Man Vs. Wild, You Vs. Wild, The Island, and Running Wild with Bear Grylls. In his life, Bear has served with British special forces, climbed Everest, crossed the north Atlantic unassisted, and he currently holds the record for the longest indoor freefall! But as much as Bear knows about adventure and survival, he's come to realize that a deeper source of strength is needed in this life. As Bear says, "I find the journey hard. I often mess up. I feel myself teetering on the edge more often than you would imagine. So for me, starting my day with God really helps. It is like food. Like good fuel for the soul." In his book Soul Fuel, Bear Grylls offers up 365 devotions, many of which he wrote on his phone during his countless adventures. Enjoy two selections today from Bear in Soul Fuel. * Don't Fear Weakness I often feel inadequate because of my many weaknesses. But sometimes God works through our weaknesses better than through our perceived strengths. We see it in Gideon. Chosen by God to lead an army, he didn't feel that he was up to the job. "Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family". — Judges 6:15 Often our doubts and fears only really surface when we're about to be tested. But our sense of weakness is no barrier to God. "I will be with you," said God to Gideon. And He says it to us too. I often draw strength from the words of the apostle Paul: Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me… For when I am weak, then I am strong. —2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Don't run or hide from your weaknesses. Accept and embrace them, and lay them before the Almighty. He longs to enter, transform, and empower our lives. It is what He does — but only when asked, and only when there is room for Him to work. A false sense of self-confidence often gets in the way of our progress in life. There's a power to weakness, strange as it sounds. But when we admit that we're unable to fight the big battles alone, that is when we learn to effectively rely on a stronger power. God-confidence is always going to win over self-confidence. Gideon knew that, as have so many of the most empowered men and women throughout history. * |
|
|
Don't run or hide from your weaknesses. Accept and embrace them, and lay them before the Almighty. |
Don't run or hide from your weaknesses. Accept and embrace them, and lay them before the Almighty. |
|
|
The Curtain Between Man and God It is arguably the most poignant moment in human history: Pilate turned and looked at Jesus. Covered in blood, a crown of thorns biting into His scalp, soldiers on either side, Jesus didn't look like much of a threat to the Roman ruler. I imagine Pilot half sneering, half despairing as he spoke: Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you? — John 19:10 But Jesus' reply was so calm and clear: You haven't a shred of authority over Me except what has been given you from Heaven. — John 19:11 MSG It must have looked to many as though it was game over, as though Jesus' life had been a failure — that hatred, jealousy, and ego had conquered over mercy, forgiveness, and love. But in reality, the greatest victory in the history of the world was about to be won. The conquered one, the man who looked as if He'd failed, was about to reveal a source of new life, a new vision for humankind, a new road to peace and unity. At that moment, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, top to bottom. There was an earthquake, and rocks were split in pieces. — Matthew 27:51 MSG Whenever we're struggling with the circumstances of our lives, let's see beyond what other people see as failure and look instead to what God's doing behind the scenes in our lives. Let's choose to remember that the greatest triumphs sometimes occur when the circumstances seem to be hardest. He went through it all — was put to death and then made alive — to bring us to God. — 1 Peter 3:18 MSG When we think life is dark, Christ knows better. Look up. The light is coming. |
Excerpted with permission from Soul Fuel by Bear Grylls, copyright BGV Global Limited, 2019. * * * |
|
| How have you seen God's strength shown in your weaknesses? How has He been with you during dark times? Come share with us. We'd love to hear your thoughts! ~ Devotionals Daily |
|
|
Bite-sized Bible Reads from Bear |
Soul Fuel: A Daily Devotional |
|
|
+ Save an extra 20% on $50+ with code DAD20 |
+ Save an extra 20% on $50+ with code DAD20 |
Bestselling author Bear Grylls is best known for his seven seasons on National Geographic's Man vs. Wild, his current NBC TV series, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, and his adventures climbing ice cliffs, running through forest fires, and parachuting from balloons. In Soul Fuel, Bear shares the backstories behind many of his most daring expeditions and how his faith gave him the purpose and power to carry on. In 365 devotions he explores themes of hope, courage, risk, heaven, and more. Soul Fuel is perfect for: - Men and women
- Self-purchase or a gift for anyone wanting to deepen their faith
- Fans of Bear's TV series and those who love to read about survival
Nature has taught Bear some important lessons, and behind every feat is a story of grit, determination, and strength found in faith. By reading Soul Fuel, you will discover: - How to find joy during the most difficult times
- The importance of hope and taking risks
- How to create courage despite anxiety and fear
|
|
|
What Our Readers Are Saying |
"I purchased this book because I had been looking for a devotional that brought together human experiences with the search for the spirit, one step at a time. This book accomplishes that and so much more. Complexity meets spiritual growth. You can quietly read as little or as much as you desire. This book is truly a comfort and joy." — Angela P. |
"Refreshing to see a respected man bare his beliefs and convictions for the world to see! Especially a man connected to Hollywood. His words seem legit, and not just put together for a book sale." — Chris |
"This devotional is so easily read because an individual can pick any one of them on any day and find direction that is applicable. Bear Grylls is an author that is able to write understandable messages from actual life lessons that he has learned from face to face encounter. I am thoroughly enjoying this opportunity." — John M. |
|
|
Bear wants others to know, "I often don't feel very strong. Life can be a battle. We all feel that from time to time. But any strength I do have seems to come in the quiet moments at the start of my day. It comes when I am on my own, on my knees. It comes from taking time to be still with God. . . . So for me, starting my day like this really helps. It is like food. Like good fuel for the soul." |
|
|
Check out all our titles for Dad |
|
|
Celebrate Father's Day with FaithGateway! Explore our top gifts for the father in your life that will inspire and uplift. Take advantage of our exclusive Father's Day Sale and enjoy an extra 20% off orders of $50 or more with code DAD20 through 6/9. |
|
|
this devotion with someone who needs it today |
|
|
*Sale price ends on 6/30/23 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. *Take an extra 20% off orders of $50 or more with code DAD20 valid through 6/9/23 until 11:59pm CST, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. *eBooks purchases are fulfilled by our partner, Glose. Please note that: - To access your eBooks, you can download the free Glose app or read instantly in your browser by creating a Glose account using the same email address you use to purchase the eBooks.
- eBooks fulfilled through Glose cannot be printed, downloaded as PDF, or read in other digital readers (like Kindle or Nook).
- For more information about how to access eBooks purchased on this site, click here for our FAQs.
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment