In this second portion of the episode, we see Paul’s shipmates realize their mistake, and reach the point where they admit their own strength can’t save them. This is a crucial turning point for all of us. You may lose some things; but if you faithfully follow God, you’ll inherit what He has for you–– and every other loss will be completely worth it.

God spoke to Paul even while he was in prison, warning him of a dangerous sea voyage. However, just as we often ignore the warning signs in our spiritual lives, Paul’s shipmates didn’t heed the warning until it was too late. Too often, we will listen to every authority except for the ultimate Authority!

In John 6, we find the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. While the crowd followed Christ because they wanted to see His miracles, the disciples were in a leadership training intensive. Jesus was going to show them that it matters less how much you have than whose hands you place it in!

When the Israelites complain incessantly to Moses in the wilderness, Moses loses his temper. We find that anger can have a hypnotizing effect on us, causing us to overreach and even step into sin, if we’re not careful. Moses learned that there’s a time to be quiet and let God handle the drama, instead of taking matters into our own hands.

In Matthew 14, the disciples learn an important lesson: you can be in the will of God and still encounter trouble and tribulation. Every storm is a lesson on what God will empower us to overcome. It won’t always make sense, but we must choose whether or not to focus on the storm or on God’s Word!

Psalm 23 holds many often-overlooked truths about life with Christ. When God is at the center of our lives, we find that He is more than enough. He refreshes and restores us. We have the freedom to put our full faith in Him, instead of trusting in our own abilities.

When the Philistines go after the Ark of the Covenant, they learn an important lesson: neither the Ark nor the cross is a magical emblem. Our prayers to God are only effective if they come out of a heart that truly desires to know Him. Before we ask God for anything, we need to check our motives and be sure that we’re seeking Him for His own sake!

In 1 Samuel 17, we find the familiar story of David and Goliath. It’s interesting to note that David didn’t go into battle with a victim mentality, even though he was clearly outmatched; he went with his reward in mind. We learn that our own inability to do things on our own is the very reason God chooses us— so that He gets the glory out of it!

In this second portion of the episode, we’ll talk about how investing in yourself includes discipline. Managing what you have, and stewarding what God has given you, is part of how we express love to God and invest in our own destiny.

The two greatest commandments given by Jesus in Matthew 22 teach us an important lesson: if your relationship with yourself isn’t right, you won’t have right relationships with others. God must be our first priority, but it’s not selfish to take care of yourself— it’s wise!