Is There Anyone Who Thinks He Can Whip Me?

     The following story comes from Robert Norris (via Reader's Digest):
     "My brother and I arrived at boot camp together. On the first morning, our unit was dragged out of bed by our drill sergeant and made to assemble outside. 'My name's Sergeant Jackson,' he snarled. 'Is there anyone here who thinks he can whip me?'
     "My six-foot-three, 280-pound brother raised his hand and said, 'Yes, sir, I do.'
     "Our sergeant grabbed him by the arm and led him out in front of the group.  'Men,' he said, 'this is my new assistant. Now, is there anyone here who thinks he can whip both of us?'"
     That humorous story reminds me of our relationship with God.  As we look out at the world, our pride and our sense of independence may cause us to feel that we can take on anything life has to throw at us.  But life will let us know very quickly that we are no match.  The trials of life have a way of beating us down and causing us to feel helpless at times.
     But God stands by our side and suddenly our confidence is renewed, because there truly is no one or nothing strong enough to defeat us both.  
     "What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
     "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4)
     "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afarid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
     May you find your confidence this day not in your own strength, but in the strength of the One who stands by your side.
Have a great day!

- Alan Smith, author of the popular "Thought For Today," and minister for the Fayetteville Church of Christ in Fayetteville, NC, may be contacted at alansmith.servant@gmail.com