Flashback Friday Devotion #56 [Strength]

Jun 25, 2010

  Hi, Everyone. Today's devotion is from my personal journal dated June 3, 2007. May it strengthen you. Lord willing, the Life Plan Devotion will return on Monday. Have a great weekend, and do spend time with the Lord and in fellowship with other believers.
Blessings,
Mary  

Flashback Friday Devotion #56 [Strength]


     Early this morning, I sat down at my desk. I looked over at the picture of my mother hugging me. She moved to Heaven on November 9, 2001, and I miss her. The picture sits on a base that contains a recording of my mom reciting her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV).
     I reached over, pressed the button on the base of the picture, closed my eyes, and soaked in my mother's sweet voice. My mom knew the Lord's strength, and, as such, she was able to encourage and strengthen others. How we all need His strength.
     When my precious pastor used this same verse, Philippians 4:13, in his sermon this morning, I knew this was what the Lord wanted me to focus on today.
     I like the Amplified Version of Philippians 4:13, which says, "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." Isn't that awesome!
     Everyday, there are battles, yet "God has girded me with strength to battle" (II Samuel 22:40). When I am so weary I can hardly stand, I know that if I "wait upon the Lord, He will renew [my] strength; [I] will mount up with wings as eagles; [I] will run and not be weary; and [I] will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). God says to me, "I am with you...I will strengthen you...I will help you;...I will uphold you" (Isaiah 41:10).
     Even in the body of Christ (the true church), there can be times of weariness. The Word says that "the people who know their God will be strong and do exploits" (Daniel 11:21). I want that for my church!
     God loves me [and you], unconditionally. He encourages me, by telling me that I am "more than a conqueror, through Christ." When I am weary, He tells me to "Come," so He can give me rest. Whatever I am facing, whatever is to come, I have strength for it all, through Christ Who strengthens me, Who empowers me. He will enable me, if I let Him. Yes, there is strength for the journey.
     When I weighed today and had stayed the same for the week, I refused to be discouraged. God has a plan for me, and it is good. I leave the results and timing up to Him. He has called me to honor Him in my body, and whenever He calls, He also enables.

Today, wherever you are on your journey (weight-loss journey or life journey), remind yourself that you are "ready for anything and equal to anything" and you are "self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency." Listen to Selah singing "You Raise Me Up." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lK8KLDgoCA&feature=related

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