Strength on the line

I

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:4-13

The entire book of Philippians was written for the Christians of Phillippi. It was meant to encourage them to live joyfully no matter what their circumstances are. Paul was in prision and yet still wrote about being full of Joy and rejoicing in the Lord. He is reminding them and us that we can be content in every situation. 

"We can breathe easy and rest confidently because we can handle it. Jesus gives us strength. He is with us before, after, during the bad parts of our lives." (Short Daily Devotions) 

I was reading a short devotion about verse 13 the other day, in Holly Gerths book "God's Heart for You', page 6. "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." I seems I have know this verse forever. Read probably a thousand times, memorized it, clung to it. However I wanted to read more about Chapter 4, to fully understand what being strong is and how I can apply it to my new year. 

I don't think I could paraphrase any better what this special needs journey feels like, than the quote above. Sometimes I feel I can't go any further with it's responsibility and I literally just want to stop. I sometimes think how easy it would be to just say, I am not doing it anymore. I don't want to suction, fix anymore meds, fight with the stander, her stroller, or high low chair, make any more doctor/therapy appointments, never stretch another body part out again. But that would all mean a world without Clara, and I couldn't imagine that. So I stand on that line, and I push on and take more because I absolutely love her. 

So HOW can I  push past that line? How can I every day do more of it? 

The Bible says just like Paul I can also rely on Christ's POWER and face all my circumstances with contentment. I can be full of JOY too. If Paul can be in in prision and rejoice and pray and love and even spread the GOSPEL through his situation, than I can too. Gosh we all can too!!!

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I hope that you (all of you that still read my ramblings on this blog) somehow can find strength through God in whatever your day looks like. We can be content in any situation. 

Holly Gerth, God's Heart for You. Page 6. 

As women we feel that we have to be super heroes, that juggle everything. And at the end of day we feel exhausted-but we push ahead. However we pay the price with our hearts, bodies and minds.With all of our giving and doing it never feels enough, there is always more to do. We ask ourselves if this the abundant life, why do I feel so tired. However God never calls us to do it all. If we stay connected to Him we can do what HE has called us to do and be who he has called us to be. The world tells us all that we need to do it all, but Jesus reminds us that we are called to fulfill a unique purpose. The POWER we have through CHRIST exceeds anything we can imagine. In the Kingdom of GOD we're all wonder women.

Life is hard sometimes-

crazy, mixed-up, messed up.

and there you are in the middle of it all, 

just doing your thing...

be strong and brave

and beautiful

like it's no big deal.

But let me tell you girl,

it is.

Not everyone can do what you do.

Not everyone can handle 

things the way you can.

And while you wonder sometimes

if you're doing okay...

the rest of us are just

watching in wonder.