“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
This week has been a hard one. As you know that word “hard” has a slew of meanings. There is almost a half-page in my dictionary to define the word. So, yes, this week has been hard. I decided to paint a small room in my house by myself. It’s been a while since I did any painting-maybe 8 or 10 years. Anyway, I thought I could do a small room and I did. I have the sore and stiff muscles to prove it and have concluded I’m a bit older and less limber now. Perhaps, I should outsource this task the next time. Painting is a hard task!
One year ago, my Dad went to his eternal home after living at my house about 5 months. So those memories are hard. On Wednesday, Cindy and I decided it was time to let “Sport” (my dad’s dog) go. He was having so much difficulty getting around and his hearing and sight were almost gone. It was hard to see him that way, but also awfully hard to let him go.
I must thank God for the physical strength he’s given me. Some people my age cannot live on their own, so I’m thankful for good health and strength. And God not only gives physical strength, but He gives spiritual and mental strength as well.
The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote the above verse. God isn’t limited by locations or situations. Being in prison is hard! I read this morning from the book of Numbers how God provided meat for thousands of grumbling Israelites in the middle of a wilderness! God asked Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” (Numbers 11:23) Of course, God’s arm isn’t too short. He provides for us just as he provided for those Israelites! Sometimes, trusting God is hard!
Life on this Earth is sometimes hard. God didn’t promise an easy road, but He did promise to be with us all the way! In fact he sent Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us!”
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5b).