“O Lord, Your words were found and I ate them. Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”
Jeremiah 15:16
Every year, the United States Navy conducts “Seal Training” on Coronado Island in San Diego, Ca. One specific designated week of training is commonly referred to as “Hell Week.” During Hell Week, the soldiers-in-training are put through a gauntlet of challenges, all while being pushed to their emotional and mental limits with stresses induced by the instructors. Trainees are kept uncomfortable: cold, wet, tired, hungry and in pain, with little let-up. Hell Week is designed to force out recruits more through mental strain than physical strain. When a trainee quits, their mind is the enemy more than their body giving up. However once a recruit passes Hell Week, they often feel invincible, like they can accomplish anything. And that's the goal, because SEALs are given the toughest missions to face and combat.In a similar way, Satan has one goal for your life, and that is to make you “tap out” of your faith in God. Every week is “Hell Week.” He wants to murder your faith. He will use every tool and resource at his disposal to accomplish this goal. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Discouragement, Depression and Doubt just to name a handful. He doesn’t care if you go to church, he doesn’t care if you hang with fellow believers in the faith, and he doesn’t even care if you throw some money in the offering plate. Because he has one goal—and that is to steal God’s Word out of your heart. He knows if the Word takes root in your heart it will have a devastating impact on his mission. Remember closely the words of Jesus in John 10:10:“The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”Stay strong. Stay humble. Stay in the Word. Eat up God’s Word daily. Hide His Word in your heart. Stay in the spiritual fight. Don’t quit. Don’t “tap out” on your faith. Because “Hell Week” is every week as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Lean into the Lord. Take shelter in Him. He will never leave you or forsake you. He loves you and is fighting your battle. Trust Him today. Eat up God’s Word and Finish well.Love God! Love People! Live Sent!Be Worth Being,KevinSUBSCRIBE TO "OVER THE HUMP" DEVOTIONALKevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 40 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.
Imagine that you could sit down and pick the brains of some of the top leaders in the country! That's the premise behind the Linch with a Leader podcast. Learn how these leaders - all among the best in their respective field - have risen to the top, while continuing to grow spiritually and chase after the Lord.
