We all seem to reside in one of three camps according to the hope we can muster each day to face our circumstances and surroundings: Camp Strong, Camp Slide or Camp Defeat.
Today we look at what it takes to keep ourselves in Camp Strong, where hopelessness is reasonably easy to keep at bay, and hope is the general demeanor of most days.
There is a fluency in Camp Strong that runs between smart choices, the power of cumulative and a solid defense for the hard times.
Smart choices include taking care of self, entering into relationships that are healthy and not abusive, staying the course in career training, and spending less than you make. The power of cumulative in any of these areas paves the way for hope. To be unhealthy, abused, jobless and/or broke invites in hopelessness.
Camp Strong is not a destination reached by accident or by the lucky. It is intentional and a result of hard work on a measured path.
Its power source--our solid defense--is found in Ephesians 6:
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.Our weapons are our choices, our worship relationship with the Living God and keeping at life like the tortoise kept at the race--one plodding step at a time.
If you are in Camp Strong, thank God and ask Him who needs your escort to join you there. Your life as an ad for Camp Strong is God's reach into the other two camps.
Hope's power blooms best when shared.
