Decide Before the Tray Arrives

Some of the most important victories in life are won before the battle ever arrives.

Daniel was surrounded by a culture determined to reshape his identity, but before the king’s meat ever reached him, something had already been settled in his heart: he would not defile himself. His discipline wasn’t spontaneous willpower in a difficult moment—it flowed from an identity that was already established.

There is tremendous power in knowing who you are and deciding ahead of time what you will—and will not—allow into your life.

We thank God for the power of the Holy Ghost to deliver, restore, strengthen, and transform. But there are decisions God will not make for us. There are boundaries we must choose, appetites we must deny, and moments when we simply have to tell ourselves, “No.”

Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. He had the power to call legions of angels, yet chose restraint because He was committed to the will of God. Sometimes strength isn’t demonstrated by what we can do, but by what we have the discipline not to do.

Your “yes” to God is powerful. Protect it by learning to say “no” to anything that would pull you away from His purpose.

A settled identity produces a disciplined life—and a disciplined life can carry what God gives it.

---

Family Worship Center | 1 Restoration Way, Plaster Rock NB | familyworship.ca

Based on message by Pastor DR Mckillop