Friday, May 11, 2012

Finding God's Strength

In 2010 I was encouraged by a friend to start running.  We had walked our local Breast Cancer Walk the year before and the next time she wanted to run in it.  So I started to run. I never really considered myself a runner.  I'm short and a little "squatty", but I thought why not, I'll give it a try.  


I ran a 5K each month through November.  Each time I ran, I ran with my running buddies who were there to cheer me on and keep me going.  They helped me to find my strength.  November 23, 2010 (Thanksgiving Day) I ran the Turkey Trot with one of those buddies.  It was a VERY COLD BLISTER DAY.  In spite of the cold and yucky weather, it was the best run I ever had. Why?  Because I had someone there with me to keep me going, encourage me and give me strength I didn't know I had.  Up to that point I had never ran an entire 5K.  My friend and I were determined to run the entire race.  I don't know that I could have done it alone.  


Sometimes our life and our relationship with God is a lot like that.  Life hurdles freezing rain at us; divorce, illness, death, loss of a job, depression. (the list goes on) Just when we feel like giving up, when we feel like walking or stopping altogether,  instead of running... he gives us strength.  By ourselves we are not strong enough to handle all that life and the devil will throw at us, but with God, we are strong enough.


In this spirit and to stay in the theme of "the songs that touch our lives." I'm reminded of the song "Strong Enough" by Matthew West.  This song has been a true inspiration to me, reminding me of the fact that "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."  I hope it helps to remind you of the strength that can only be found in Christ Jesus.
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Strong Enough

You must, you must think I'm strong to give me what I'm going through. Well forgive me, forgive me if I'm wrong but this looks like more than I can do on my own.  

I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be. I give up I'm not strong enough.

Hands of mercy won't you cover me? Right now Lord I'm asking you to be strong enough, strong enough...for the both of us.

Well maybe, maybe that's the point... to reach the point of giving up. Cause when I'm finally, finally at rock bottom...well that's when I start looking up and reaching out.

Cause I'm broken, down to nothing. But I'm still holding on to the one thing... You are God and you are strong when I am weak

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength... I don't have to be strong enough
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So remember no matter what your facing right now, you don't have to be strong enough, because God will be strong enough for both of you.  He has promised us that he will NEVER give us more than we can handle and he will NEVER leave us nor forsake us.  So let go of your pain and heartache, give it to God, and let God give you HIS strength.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you.  So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Hebrews 13: 5-6

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
I Corinthians 10:13