Philippians 4:13
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Paul knew both ends of the spectrum. Even in the worst of times, Paul still had faith that God would bring him through. As Job said, “I know my Redeemer lives.” I am not as sure in my faith as Paul but I am working on it. I don’t know if I can do all the things to which I am called. It is my human side which doubts. For we know God gives us everything we need.
Actually, I know I can’t do it if I have to do it on my own! Last year was a tough year. I have lost my best friend and faced other challenges. I know that God uses challenges to refine us. He uses them to rub off our rough edges. I know I have a lot of rough edges but I could use a break.
We have a chance to take in another Foster Child who is seven years old. There is a chance we could adopt him but that is always uncertain. I am concerned that we become attached and the adoption falls through for whatever reason. At that point, he would be removed and I am not sure I could handle the loss added to what has already happened. We have lost kids before and it is tough to handle. I know that it is all part of God’s plan and it will go according to His will. Even so, I am still stuck in my humanness and may not be ready for the loss. Jean, on the other hand, is all gung ho! I am the conservative one who wants to throttle things back and take it slow. That is a reversal for me. But the point is God never gives us anything that is more than we can handle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) says13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. This basically tells us that God will make a way for us to do whatever He calls us to do. It’s a good thing too because I cannot do this in my own power. I will need to be in God’s will and power.
How about you? Are you facing challenges that are above and beyond what you think you can handle? Are you trying to do it on your own? Know that there are many things you can’t do alone! You need His power which is readily available to you. All you need do is ask. He awaits your petition! Pray that you are in God’s will and He will give you all that you need to accomplish that to which He calls you. It is hard for us to remember. I struggle with that. Pray for me and I will pray for you. Together, we should be able to handle things with God’s help.
Lord, help us to remember that You stand close by to aid us in whatever we need to do Your will. Your Spirit resides within us reminding us of all You have taught us and giving us the power to bear fruit in Your name. You will never leave nor forsake us! On that we can depend. Help us to be strong and courageous in Your name. Amen!