I heard my name being called. Butterflies flew back and forth in my stomach. I was excited, but nervous. After all, I was about to meet some new people, who would be in my competition team at our church’s winter camp.
My breath steadied, and I stood. Courageously, I held up my head and began walking toward my team mentors. When I came face to face with my group, my voice seemed to vanish. I felt like it was buried deep in the lump that crowded my throat. I could speak, but my words were meek and seemed unimportant.
I recognized the face of one girl. Besides that, I didn’t know a soul that was in my team, yet people were familiar with some others. I felt alone and excluded. I knew that I needed to be brave… But how?
Have you ever felt this way? You have to be brave, but it’s really hard to do on your own.
He safeguards the steps of his faithful ones, but wicked people are silenced in darkness because humans cannot succeed by their own strength.
I needed to speak loudly and participate in the group’s talk. I needed to find the strength to make new friends. I know this feeling- the fear, the nervousness, and the loneliness. It is completely normal for everyone. If this is such a struggle, how can be overcome it?
I’ll tell you right away. The answer is (drum roll, please)…Jesus!
God has wisdom and strength. Advice and insight are his.
It might take time, but through His strength He can help us get across every tough obstacle imaginable. They will still be there, but God always makes a way to get around them.
Philippians 4:13 Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV)
13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Did you read that! You can do anything through Christ! Now, read this Bible translation. Make sure to observe its wording.
Philippians 4:13 Common English Bible (CEB)
13 I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.
This uses the word, endure, instead of do. They are really quite similar.
I can do push-ups.
I can endure push-ups.
I looked up at the definitions for both these at dictionary.com. The technical meanings are different, but if you look at the example that I wrote above, I hope I can help you understand what I am trying to explain.
Based on the two sentences above, I am saying that it might be rough, but I can do push-ups, I can endure push-ups. The same thing stands for Philippians 4:13. It will be tough, but we can do anything through the strength of Jesus Christ.
Now, how can we remember to be brave through those hard times. Scripture! If you are game for a challenge, memorize one of the verses showed in this post. Everytime you are having a difficult time being brave, you can recite it in your head and remember that through Jesus, you can do anything! For easy referance, all the verses are down below. You got this! You can be brave because God is with you!
-
He safeguards the steps of his faithful ones, but wicked people are silenced in darkness because humans cannot succeed by their own strength.
-
God has wisdom and strength. Advice and insight are his.
-
Philippians 4:13 Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV)
13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
-
Lets pray!
Dear Jesus, thank you for helping us to be brave. Please give us the strength to go through hard things, and please help to trust through those times when we struggle. You are so great, and we love You. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.
No Comments
Leslie
Phil: 4:13 is my life verse! I love your post and actually used it in my devotions today. Thank you! ❤️