Sunday, October 20, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

All the Days of My Life

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

Last night, I was helping my grandson with a puzzle. He is only three and this was a puzzle of 24 pieces.  Since I knew that he could not do this alone, I sat with him and helped him. I explained that we had to have a plan to complete such a large puzzle. So together we identified and built the outside frame of the puzzle. Then, I was able to allow him to attempt the few middle pieces that were remaining. When we finished our BIG puzzle, he was so thrilled, AND I was so proud of his accomplishment.

As we were making that puzzle, I reflected on God's desire to help us to address our daily circumstances. Today's scripture assures us that we can do ALL things through the One who strengthens us. Just as my young grandson trusted that he could make his puzzle with my assistance, we need to have the same faith in our more than capable God.

What's more is that God wants us to be CONFIDENT that He will help us in ALL THINGS. I know that I often feel that I can handle matters on my own - why go to God and bother Him with the insignificant things? He is so busy dealing with BIG problems that other people are going through.

However, when we take on that mindset, we become reliant on ourselves, AND we become accustomed to handling everything that we face. Then, when we hit the bends in the road, we try to handle those on our own OR when we do turn to God, we do so with secret reservations. I say secret because we would never ever want anyone to think that we doubt God's ability to aid us in our time of need!!! Can He really heal me? Can He do anything with my financial situation?

Philippians 4:13 assures us that in whatever circumstance we face, He will give us all the strength we need to get through it.

Therefore, my encouragement for you today is to go to God with all of your situations - big ones as well as small ones- with great CONFIDENCE in His ability to give you strength to get through them. By doing so, you will move away from carrying ALL THINGS on your shoulders to placing EVERYTHING at His feet!!!!!

Dear Lord, Isaiah 46:4 reassures me that You will always be there to strengthen me in ALL I encounter in life - "I will be your God throughout your lifetime- until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you." I am so grateful to You for the promise that You will give me all I need to do whatever You call me to do.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.