Kris Silbaugh plays American football with just one hand. What’s more, he plays receiver—a position that’s all about using two hands. A receiver must catch passes thrown to him by a quarterback and then run with the football before being tackled by the defense. In 2015, the young man set the all-time receiving yards record at his high school, having amassed more than 912 receiving yards (the previous record) for his career. Born without a left hand due to a birth defect, Silbaugh says, “It has never stopped me. I just don’t let it—never have.”
Timothy didn’t let challenges stop him from faithfully serving God and the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 6:12). Paul identified at least two difficulties for Timothy in a letter he wrote to him—his youthfulness and the fact that he was “sick so often” (1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Timothy 5:23). Timothy was probably about 30 years old at the time, quite young to be leading a dynamic and immature church. The fact that he faced chronic illness certainly didn’t help.
Paul also noted that Timothy had to deal with false teaching, persecution, and the relational pain caused by his mentor—Paul himself—being imprisoned and near the end of his life (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 6:5; 2 Timothy 2:3,9, 4:6,9).
You and I also face challenges—things that could threaten to stop us in our tracks. May we, as Timothy did, receive these encouraging words from Paul: “Pursue righteousness and a godly life,” “Fight the good fight for the true faith” and “Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
Paul told Timothy to fix his eyes on Jesus, the “King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). In Him we find the strength to rise above the challenges of today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 8:22-56
More:
As you face challenges and difficulties, consider Jesus’ words in John 16:33.
Next:
What difficulties have caused you to experience distress recently? How can focusing your eyes on Jesus and your hope in Him help you continue to “fight the good fight”?
Gary Shultz on July 12, 2016 at 4:22 am
Tom, this is a little difficult to approach; however, never seeing or being in your presence, you seem to be well qualified to speak of these things. We hear from the other authors of times of combined hardships, as you have pointed out, including many areas of this life we walk. It seems it can go from the physical pulling down the spirit or just the reverse, a staved spirit causing the body to waver. As ODB showed us we have not been selected for the ease of life, but to be birthed out of life into a new person in a place of God’s promise and choosing. “Fight the good fight” and with God’s leading we will be “Rising Above” Thanks Tom.
Tom Felten on July 12, 2016 at 10:23 am
You too, Gary. I’m so glad God gave us the Body of Christ to walk with through the trials of life. I’m grateful for you and the whole Our Daily Journey community!
BearPair on July 12, 2016 at 5:36 am
Thanks for this word of encouragement Tom! Paul writes to the Colossians (our favorite NT book), “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Its all about not focusing on ourselves, but on Christ, the One who causes us to “rise above”, right!
Tom Felten on July 12, 2016 at 10:25 am
BearPair, great verse! It’s a delicate balance—focusing on Jesus while also extending His heart, life, and restorative ways to those around us. May the Holy Spirit lead us to do those things well today.
gagirllive on July 12, 2016 at 8:48 am
Tom, I’m always encouraged by stories like Kris’s. It seems that people with disabilities often have a tenacity that the more able-bodied don’t. They have an unstoppable attitude—a determination that nothing will stand in the way of them fulfilling their dreams. They’ve certainly learned to rise above their challenging circumstances, and it’s inspiring. What I see in them that makes all the difference is focus. And it makes all the difference in my life, too. When I don’t make Christ my vision, I can easily become disheartened. He promises to keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind on Him. My heart and flesh may fail, but He is the strength of my life and my portion forever. As I’ve said here before—everything over my head is under His feet. He is above all, and because my life is hidden in Him, so am I. Praise His wonderful name! Such an encouraging word for us today, Tom. Thank you!
Tom Felten on July 12, 2016 at 10:32 am
gagirl, thanks for your inspiring thoughts as always. Focus . . . yep, it truly is vital in walking with Jesus. I find that the more I keep in a prayerful state—thanking Him for the blessings and challenges as they come, and seeking His wisdom and comfort in the pain and trials, my love for Him and others intensifies. As a buddy of mine says, I’m hoping to put on my “God-goggles” today and see Him and others through those lenses!
alexaoj on July 12, 2016 at 9:09 am
Multiple blessings to you Tom and your family. The book of Colossians has truly been a great encourager for me especially chapter 3. God in His wisdom alone knows how to minister to all our challenges. right now I am dealing with neuropathy of the legs and the doctors are testing to find its origin. I am not diabetic. I will be seeing a hemotalogist tomorrow, I covet the prayers of the saints Thank you and stay bless.
gagirllive on July 12, 2016 at 9:17 am
Praying for you, alexaoj! May your soul rest confidently in His love.
Tom Felten on July 12, 2016 at 10:34 am
Praying as well, alexaoj. Thanks so much for sharing . . . may the God of all comfort provide all you need today!
godlove on July 12, 2016 at 12:40 pm
“God in His wisdom knows [best] how to minister to our challenges”, and I pray that He grants you the courage and strength to face and overcome your current challenges, alexaoj. Blessings to you.
godlove on July 12, 2016 at 12:36 pm
Thank you for sharing the awesome story of Kris Silbaugh, Tom. His is a very inspiring story indeed, it’s amazing to see how he is able to surpass the “normal” even through his disablility. An excellent example of rising above difficulties and challenges that Jesus Himself warns us that we are bound to face here on earth. As Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” When we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we are assured to find all the strength and confidence we need to “fight the good fight” for we know that He has already overcome the world for us. Thanks again, Tom.
Tom Felten on July 12, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Thanks for sharing, godlove. The verses you lifted up from Hebrews remind me that none of us have it truly together, none of us are without challenges that could hold us back, none of us are perfect, but all of us who have received salvation in Jesus have a Savior who walks with us and is actively perfecting our faith. How amazing is that??
elegantstarr1 on July 12, 2016 at 2:10 pm
Excellent devotional Tom…very encouraging! Be Blessed!
Tom Felten on July 13, 2016 at 10:53 am
So glad it encouraged you, elegantstar!
chief on July 12, 2016 at 3:17 pm
“Pursue righteousness and a godly life,” “Fight the good fight for the true faith” and “Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you.” There’s so much power in God’s Word. Thanks Tom, great devo, particularly coming from one who walks the walk so beautifully.
Tom Felten on July 13, 2016 at 10:54 am
Thanks, Chief! It’s a blessing to walk through this life with you as a friend.
hsnpoor on July 12, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Hello ODJ family! Clearly, I have been MIA for a few days and I hope you missed me…:). I’ve missed you. I had a mini- stroke Sunday afternoon, but by the Grace of God, I was only hospitalized for 24-hours and sent home yesterday with medication and instructions to pick up my life where I had left off before the TIA. I’ve spent the day catching up and this devotion really stopped me in my tracks, especially the “Next” question. I just posted a comment somewhere on the ODB site that spoke to how important it was for me to keep my mind stayed on Jesus through this whole episode. It was scary to think that the good health I’ve had most of my adult life could be at an end. That I am truly old in that most of my life is behind, rather than in front of me (unless,I live to be 120+). But, when all is said and done, who can add 1 cubit to their life by worrying over it? And, although, this episode made me aware that dying is NOT the worst thing that could happen to me, in my estimation & I think you all will agree with that for obvious reasons, it did reveal my very real and terrifying fear of being incapacitated. However, I see the end of that road too, but I need prayer to truly be as peaceful about that fear as I am about death because whatever the Lord has in store, the Lord has it in store and I don’t honor Him by living in fear of my life circumstances. Love & blessings to all!
BearPair on July 13, 2016 at 12:42 am
Great testimony, hsnpoor! Tom, sounds like another sister who could benefit from the “Fear” series we’ve been working on… whatdya think?
Tom Felten on July 13, 2016 at 10:55 am
Agreed!
hsnpoor on July 13, 2016 at 4:41 pm
Huh?
BearPair on July 13, 2016 at 6:08 pm
Sorry for the cryptic response, hsnpoor… I confess to not being familiar wt you, but Patricia & I will be glad to include you in our prayers. In our CoCW (Cup of Cold Water) ministry we have been focusing on “fear”, setting Scripture verses to graphic photos & posting them on FB & Tumblr. If you’re interested in seeing the first 10 (so far), you can view them on our Pinterest pages at: https://www.pinterest.com/terrypatriciala/cup-of-cold-water-2016/ Fear can be such a powerful, crippling emotion, but one for which our Savior died as well. . . . He has already conquered every fear that we could ever face, praise His name! We love you in the Lord!
hsnpoor on July 14, 2016 at 11:40 am
Ahhh, that would be very apropos for me right now and I will definitely take a look. And I would be both honored and blest to be remembered in your prayers. Thank you and may God grin at you and your kindness all day long!
gagirllive on July 13, 2016 at 6:19 am
Wow, hsnpoor. First, Sandy…now you? You guys are keeping this forum “prayed up”. 🙂 Praise the Lord that it was not major (although strokes—“mini” or not—are a big deal in my estimation), but your worry is certainly understandable, especially after enjoying good health all your life. Just a little reminder that these bodies are temporary, perishing day by day. I will certainly keep you in my prayers, dear sister. May the Lord’s healing hand rest upon you. I’m so thankful that you are well enough to join us again…and, yes, you were missed. 🙂 Be encouraged and stay in peace!
hsnpoor on July 13, 2016 at 4:44 pm
I know…. I’m sure the Lord is doing something through all this, just not sure exactly what. Other than neither of us will be attending the Beth Moore conference where we were going to meet up this coming weekend…..hmmmm. I’m sure we’ll all understand it better, by & by…:)
Tom Felten on July 13, 2016 at 10:56 am
Praying for you hsnpoor . . . so sorry for this medical emergency, but grateful you’re well! Your comments today have inspired me. Press on, sister!
hsnpoor on July 13, 2016 at 5:06 pm
Thank you, Tom! Wish I could be an inspiration without all the drama, but….well, you know the rest…:)
godlove on July 13, 2016 at 1:45 pm
So sorry for your sudden health situation, hsnpoor, but thankful to God for sustaining and keeping you. And I like the passage you quoted about the significance, or rather lack of significance, of worrying over life. Love and blessings to you too.
hsnpoor on July 13, 2016 at 5:08 pm
Thank you, godlove! The Lord and I had a lot to talk about and the time to do so, especially in that MRI tube!