Good morning. I personally need this reminder this morning. It is shaping up to be a difficult day, one with challenges that I hadn’t expected but will need to be addressed. Do you know what I mean? I am sure you do. We all have “one of those days” from time to time. Sometimes we wonder if we have what it takes to make it through it all. The answer to that, at least it is the answer that is true for me, and I would think that it is an answer to which everyone would agree, the answer to the question of whether or not I have what it takes to make it through is that I don’t. I do not have the strength, or the patience, or the wisdom to make it through unscathed. I don’t have what it takes, and I never have.
That may sound like bad news, but it isn’t, not really. You see, while I know that I don’t have what it takes, I also know that I am not alone. I am not alone and the one who is walking with me is absolutely able. He is able to take on all comers. He has the strength, and the power, and the patience, and the wisdom, and everything else that will be required.
The apostle Paul had faced plenty of days when he knew he didn’t have what it would take to make it through mentally, physically, or spiritually. When facing such a reality did Paul become depressed? No. Did he become fearful? No. Did he become filled with anxiety as he faced more than he could handle? No. Why not? Well, the apostle Paul shares with us his “secret” for having confidence no matter what his circumstances: I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
I’ll share that 13th verse again: I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
Those are powerful words reflecting powerful faith. The day ahead may look like a rough one, but He who is with me and is in me is greater. He is able, and He is willing, and He is mine, and He is yours.
Vern