In His Strength
Jesus assured us that this life would not be easy. In John 16:33, NKJV he said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” What we should also keep in mind is this, we were not meant to go through this life alone or to do life alone. God is our Father and desires a relationship with us. When we try to do things on our own, we ware ourselves down in our own strength. In John 15:4-5, NKJV Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The circumstances we face in life can be difficult, but we must keep our eyes lifted to the One who created us, the One who knows us better than even we know ourselves! It is through Him that we gain our strength to continue putting one foot in front of the other. It is His strength that keeps us going so that others can experience who Jesus is through us! Though we don’t always see the outcome, in the end it will be worth it. It will be worth it to know that the impact you made helped another individual have an eternity in heaven.
Not only should we be keeping our eyes lifted to the One who created us, but we need that special time alone with Him. An empty vessel has no use. So, we go before our God, we share our heart, our burdens, our pains, our joys, just as we would share with our best friend. We go to Him and we pray…for strength, for courage, for change, for direction. Let Him lead you in His word. The Bible is God’s living word! It is the answer to every challenge we face in life. Let Him speak to you through it! Not only can you receive direction, but words of affirmation and love! These are things that we need to keep us encouraged and strengthened in our inner spirit woman/man!
After receiving direction, we must follow through with obedience and trust! A follow through in action shows that you trust the Lord in His direction as your God and as your Father as your Savior. One of my favorite scriptures that I’ve shared many times, I will share with you once more. Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
When we begin to feel weary and we cannot stand anymore, I want us to remember that we can find rest in the One who loves us. Matthew, 11:28-30, NKJV says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Our God is so good to NEVER leave us, to ALWAYS love us! My prayer is that His presence will continually be felt among you so that you are assured of His everlasting love and ever present help in time of need! Blessings to you my brothers and sisters!
© 2022 Leslie Wittenmyer—All rights reserved