I don’t know about everyone else, but I have had a very challenging 2019. There were mixed feelings last night about being relieved the year was over and being happy for all that happened. Between work and family and new business ventures and more! it has been one busy year.
2019 had some great moments, but also moments of loss. I am sure all my FB friends have experienced similar things. I lost a very dear friend this year. I know she is with the Savior and looks down on me and smiles, but I sure do miss her. Also made some great new memories, new friends, and new opportunities have come my way.
There were many times I thought I was in way over my head and did not handle every situation well. I shared struggles with close friends and we prayed. One night, while sharing some concerns, the Lord spoke to my heart and the words, ‘I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4.13) poured from my lips.
It was amazing the impact these words had on my heart and my circumstances. I have read that verse for over forty years and now, in my time of need, it is here to comfort and encourage me. I have quoted it every time I thought things were getting too difficult to handle. They broke any spirits of defeat or discouragement inside and truly God gave me strength to mange every situation.
The Bible is filled with encouragement for all our needs and challenges. Romans 8.37 tells us ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.’ MORE than a conqueror. 1 Corinthians 15.57 also assures us ‘..thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Victory over loss, heartache, oppression, lack, anything.
We now have another New Year to celebrate and I know I need to look to the Lord for His strength each day. Whatever I face, I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.
I love the words to Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “His Strength Is Perfect”
Through Christ who gives me strength
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me
No great success to show
No glory on my own
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfectWe can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end
He hears our humble cry and proves again
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on
Raised in His power, the weak become strong
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect
Happy New Year everyone!
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