Tonight I just vented with two of my dear college friends. They were so sweet to endure the cold temperatures as I poured out my heart to them. They were kind to give me warm hugs and words of encouragement. They are praying for me and on my way home, Darian sent me a text message that said, "God only gives you what you can handle; you're just really strong." That sweet message brought tears to my eyes. As I traveled the winding road to my dad's house, my mind wondered back to last night when Paul and I were able to spend some time alone together having dinner. One of the large screen televisions on the wall caught my attention as a woman who didn't appear to be very large in stature approached a big bar with heavy weights on either end. She picked the bar up and lifted it to her chest and then hoisted it above her head before returning it to the floor. She repeated this several times and appeared to almost bounce with each action. I thought how incredibly strong this lady was and I told Paul that I wished I could get some upper body strength. God used that moment to teach me some spiritual lessons that He wanted me to know.
Just like the body builder I saw on television, getting stronger is a continuous process. I know that this woman did not just wake up one day and think she would just start bench pressing a huge amount of weight. She most likely had to train consistently and work hard to reach her goals. When she built muscle tissue and was able to lift a certain amount of weight with ease, she could add more weight. This is how she could get stronger. God does that to me, too.
When I go through a battle, He watches me and helps me and trains me. He conditions my mind to think good thoughts.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
He helps me to stay focused on my goals. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14
He shows me examples of others who have made it to the end, endured the trials of this life and have come forth victorious, so that I can be encouraged to finish strong.
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1
The sweet message God sent me through my friend Darian reminds me that He is my strength and He is my helper. I spoke with a professor tonight about some concerns I had with my fall schedule and his advice was for me just to wait a little longer. It was great advice and very helpful. Just like the scripture reminds me to wait on God.
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14
I want to please the LORD and I will trust Him to see me through. He is my strength.
"Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:4
My heart says, "I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength." Psalm 18:1
My prayer is, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him." Psalm 28:7
~Bridgett
