In the last blog, I talked about how habits inform our response. We looked at the habits of prayer and scripture that the apostles had firmly established so that when tough times arose, they didn't have to think about what to do...they just did what came naturally.
In this post, I want to highlight what they focused on when they prayed and quoted Scripture. I don't know about you, but I can get lost in the 66 books of the Bible if I don't know where to go and what to focus on. If that's you, keep reading.
When Peter and John left jail and met up with other apostles, they specifically prayed and intentionally focused on a few different attributes of God. The focused on the POWER of God as well as the PLANS of God. Out of specifically focusing on the power and plans of God that they then made their requests.
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Acts 4:24 - They remembered God's POWER. Remembering who God was also reminded them of who they were NOT. Instead of plotting their revenge on those who imprisoned them (and killed Jesus), they reminded themselves that God is the One who is control of everything. He is in control of everything that comes to pass, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
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Acts 4:25-28 - They remembered God's PLANS. Remembering that God has had a plan from beginning meant that they did not have to figure out a plan; rather, they simply needed to trust in God's plan and respond in ways that He would want them to respond. They remembered that the crucifixion of Jesus was part of God's plan. All of those responsible for Christs' death (and their imprisonment) were not acting outside of God's ordained plan from the beginning of time.
They remembered and focused on God being the Great Architect as opposed to the great coach. An architect has a blueprint from the beginning and decides exactly how a house will be built. A coach plan and prepares but has no choice but to respond to what the other team does. God does not respond the unexpected, he established the beginning and the end (Romans 8:28-29 and Genesis 50:20). Just because we don't understand His plans does not mean that His plans don't exist.
So, what do you focus on when the unexpected events of life show up on your doorstep? What thoughts go through you mind when your car breaks down? What are you tempted to believe when your spouse does or says something hurtful? The truth is that you will have thoughts pop into your mind when the unexpected comes to pass. What are those thoughts? What do you do with those thoughts? What should you be thinking about.
Here are some practical applications, some things you can do now that will help if you struggle with focusing on the POWER and PLANS of God during tough times.
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Take your thoughts captive. Click here for an exercise that can help you learn how to do that.
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Start a thought journal to help you become aware of what you habitually think about when the storms of life come your way.
In the next blog, we will look at how habits impacted the results in the life of the apostles and how our habits impact the results of our situations. Until then, God bless.
Ben Marshall
