“If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses? If you stumble and fall on open ground, what will you do in the thickets near the Jordan? 6Even your brothers, members of your own family, have turned against you. They plot and raise complaints against you. Do not trust them, no matter how pleasantly they speak.

And if these nations truly learn the ways of my people, and if they learn to swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’ (just as they taught my people to swear by the name of Baal), then they will be given a place among my people. 17But any nation who refuses to obey me will be uprooted and destroyed. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

“If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! 20They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Lord God my Father,

Strengthen me and give me the courage to overcome my weakness. Build my faith into a mighty and powerful force for your desire. Cause me to look past the dysfunction I allow to rest on me and courageously trample the sin I embrace. I want to wholeheartedly learn your way and obey your nudges in my spirit. I want to return to you because on my own I am broken and weak. I need you Lord to thrive as you desire me to but hold too tightly to my broken way.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen