Even if trying to ignore the news and follow the teaching in Philippians 4:8 (whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things), it is impossible to be unaware of the overwhelming turmoil and chaos in our culture and in our world.

Even while trying to remain focused on God’s many blessings, we can become discouraged and feel helpless in the face of so much evil.

This morning while working out with my online trainer, I noticed how often he repeats the advice to, “Just do what you can.” That is good advice for avoiding injury while exercising, but it’s also valuable for the cultural and spiritual battles we are facing.

When we stop focusing on all the world’s troubles and instead look for the opportunities to follow Christ’s teachings that come into our lives, we may see where we could make a difference by simply doing what we can. Many small acts of faithfulness have a ripple effect even beyond our own small sphere.

We may have felt frustrated and helpless in the past, but today is a new day, a new chance to do what we can; to do the next right thing in our walk of faith.

¹³ … but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:13-14