God Chose Clarence and You
Misplaced Trust – Part 2

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-9

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:5 NLT

I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

As we continue looking at this idea of avoiding misplaced trust, let’s get practical: How can we grow in this area of trust?  The Apostle Paul uses a phrase that I think is key: “…I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 2:2).  The phrase caught my attention for a couple of reasons.  First, it is clear we have a choice when it comes to what our minds think about.  Paul wrote, “I decided;” he made a conscious decision on his course of action.  We are not victims of our thought life.  When fear and stress start to fill your thoughts, you can choose to stop thinking about those issues that are causing you fear and stress!  The best way to switch thought patterns is to focus on scripture.  Hopefully you can start quoting a promise from the Bible.  As you do, your mind starts to turn from stress to rest!  God’s Word is a powerful tool.  I sometimes have to keep repeating God’s promises until I have driven the doubts and fears away.  As God’s Word assures us, “resist the devil and he will flee” (James 4:7).

With God’s help, we can place our thoughts on the facts of God’s Word.  We are victors; we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13)  (Continued)

Father, I will be the director of my thoughts today.  I will refuse to meditate on problems; rather I will meditate on your Word.  In Jesus’ name, amen.