Topic: The Real You [Joel Osteen Devotional 14 January 2020]

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT

TODAY’S WORD:

We live in a society that stresses image. It’s easy to go through life trying to impress people, to show them that we’re strong, that we have it all together. It’s good to carry ourselves with confidence, but sometimes we have such a need to keep up our image that we put on a mask and start pretending. We can’t let someone see that we have weaknesses, that we’re struggling in areas, and we don’t have all the answers. But the Scripture says that if we go around wearing masks, God’s power is not going to show up. God won’t bless the ideal you, the pretend you, the future you; He’s looking for the real you.

Remember that there’s power in vulnerability. When you empty yourself out, God can fill you. But if you’re full of yourself—acting, pretending, keeping up your image—there’s no room for God. If you’ll humble yourself and get real, God will help you to grow.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

“Father, thank You that I don’t have to hide my weaknesses or mask my shortcomings. Thank You that Your power goes to work in me when I get real and honest. I humbly admit that I don’t have it all together, but I’m glad You’re still working on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”