For the word of God is living and effective….Hebrews 4:12
This morning for the boys’ quiet time, I had them use Philippians 4:13. I know better than to think this way, but in all honesty, I didn’t have great expectations for discussion on a verse we all know pretty well and hear so often.
How foolish of me to forget,
for even a moment,
that God’s word is alive and active.
They each recorded in their journals three ways to fill in the spaces of “I am able to…through Christ who strengthens me”. One explained that he knew he was able to: be a good sport, be more helpful, and be a good leader…through Christ who could give him the strength. The other shared how he could: obey his parents, stop wanting more things, and let others go first more often…through Christ who could give him strength.
While it may not sound like or look like much to some…it was.
I was overwhelmed with their candor and their humility.
It didn’t dawn on me until hours later…
I needed…wanted…to do the same exercise they had done.
I very much ached, especially on this day, to be infused with the supernatural strength that comes from Him.
Very.very.much.
(You see…I had been walking in my own for several weeks and it had been quite futile.)
I needed to not just give it a passing thought.
I needed to stop. Be still and quiet. Meditate on it.
So I did.
It makes me smile, even now…
as I think about how a morning “assignment” for my boys,
became a much needed “assignment” of my own.
The end result…???
I walked away reassured that I am able to…
meet the physical demands that have come with helping care for a disabled loved one
bear up under the angst of a parent just diagnosed with cancer
take this class that I feel totally and completely inadequate to attempt, but feel compelled by God to engage in
continue to praise and give glory to God even in the midst of financial circumstances that continue to burden us
remain consistent in training my boys even among the chaos and inconsistency of life
be victorious in the schemes and lies the enemy is using to try and render me useless
love…love like crazy the way God loves…without hesitation…without excuse…without favoritism…even when it’s hard…even when it’s uncomfortable…even when it doesn’t seem possible
…through Him who strengthens me.
It all started as a teaching opportunity for the children.
It became a reminder for Mom.
His word is alive and active.
I wonder if anyone else might need a new dose of strength
found in the truth of a seemingly old, familiar scripture.
You are able to….through Him who strengthens you.
Mel, you are so right! I am feeling a bit like “I can’t” today! It is our second “school day” of the new year, and nothing seems to be going quite like I had planned. Probably because my children are little personalities and not little robots!!
Thankyour for the reminder.
Rachael.
This reminds me of the story of Jesus praying in the garden. He asked God to take it from him, but if he would not. He asked him to help him bear it.
It is the bearing that we need to ask for, his strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Thank you.
That is wonderful, and so encouraging – praise our Father who enables, empowers and loves us, weak and unworthy as we may see ourselves….thank you for your openness.
Melissa, I appreciated this assignment from you. I had the whole afternoon in the kitchen to work on it and am only starting. My hope is that it will become a habit.
Thank you for taking precious time to share with us your education. Your children’s candor and humility is truly a wonder-full lesson.
I, too, am learning so much more as I teach my children.
Amen!!!