Through the years, our family has endured difficult seasons in which we were barely able to put one foot in front of the other. Illnesses, hardships, life changes, broken hearts, gut wrenching decisions, pain. Those were the times we curled up at the feet of Jesus and let His people serve and minister to us. We reached up and let our Savior comfort us as only He can. We sought His will, His healing, His strength. Alone, we weren’t strong enough.
Right now, our family is in a season of cheer. We are all healthy and doing well. The sun is shining, soccer is well under way, our school year is going great. I’m humbled by these blessings.
Life is good.
But we still aren’t strong enough.
We’re still not able to do all God has called us to do if we fail to let Him strengthen us and guide us. We’re only human. We’re weak. We’re frail. We’re not strong enough.
Whether the sun is shining in your life or whether the cloud cover has caused this season to be gray – God has promised to be strong enough for both of us. I find so much joy in knowing this. Because of Jesus, we can be strong!! Kinda makes you want to sit up straighter in your chair, doesn’t it?!
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
I love this song by Matthew West, Strong Enough, and pray that you are blessed by the words and by the knowledge that God is strong enough to hold all of us, no matter what!
What are you thankful for this Gratituesday? Write about it on your blog, then come link up with us here. If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave a comment letting us know what you’re grateful for!If you are linking up a blog post for Gratituesday,
please copy and paste the following sentence into your post! Thanks!
Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
Lori Waugh says
I like how you described the “seasons” of life families go through. I’ve been thinking of that, since our oldest is a junior in HS. The seasons come and go, but so grateful that God remains constant in all of them!
Tara says
I did a grateful blog day on Sunday! Here’s the link for anyone that is interested: http://amooseymommy.blogspot.com/2011/08/pause-to-be-grateful.html
Martianne says
I, too, love Philippians 4:13 and repeat it to myself especially during times of struggle.
You are so right about the seasons of our lives and how God is with us through each one.
Shannon says
Your timeliness is perfect Laura and thank you for the reminder that brought tears to my eyes. God bless. You don’t know how many people you reach through your blog. Thanks
Jill Roper says
Rejoicing with you Laura for this wonderful season you are in right now. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Rhonda says
Thank you Laura for your insight!
Natalie says
My sister added a post about something she was thankful for that is also a blessing to her on our blog a few days ago. Thanks for the link-up!
DorthyM says
Love your message for today. Philippians 4:13 has been one of my mainstay verses for a long time.
Abby says
This was great to read this morning. Our family is somewhere in the middle, not in desperate times, not in great times…just moderately struggling with things. Good reminder that we must always lean on him no matter what life is like at the moment.
Carolyn says
This is such a great reminder that we shouldn’t only seek God when we are struggling. We need to keep him close when we are happy as well as just “somewhere in the middle”.
Lately I have really been trying to savor every moment and not take anything for granted. A fellow blogger Jennifer Perillo of In Jennie’s Kitchen recently and suddenly lost her husband. It makes me so sad to think of such things but I am comforted by prayer and I only hope that all of our prayers also comfort her a bit.
Thank you Laura, and God bless xo
Lisa @ Happy in Dole Valley says
A state of blessedness is indeed a fabulous place to be. My husband and I are celebrating 19 years of marriage (actually yesterday) and are truly blessed to have Christ as our strength and our shield! Thanks for hosting, Laura!
Blessings to you and yours, ~Lisa
Lauren says
Thank you for the encouragement!!!
Sara says
Thankyou Laura for your words of inspiration and words to remind us that God is strong enough for both of us. I am truly grateful for a healthy family as well and just knowing that God is with is in all our struggles, joys, pain, happiness. Our oldest daughter has just begun her first year of college and is now away from home. It is definitely a big adjustment for all but knowing that God is with her and walking that path with her is a huge comfort for all.
Lana says
Thank You for reminding me yet again…God is in control….I am doing fair, yet I am in an emotional dry wilderness,with much depression. I keep hanging on, knowing there is purpose in everything,and NOTHING happens that God does not know about and allow. Thanks for letting me be a part of your blog!! God Bless you all.,Lana
Brooke says
Lana, I’ve had seasons of depression that have pulled me down so far. I would encourage you to do a number of things; keep reading God’s word and going to him daily in prayer, seek help professionally and don’t be ashamed if you need to be on medication. Surround yourself with a church family and friends who love you and can help you.
I will lift you up in prayer today!
Lisa @ Happy in Dole Valley says
Ditto Brooke’s comment. I’ve been there, and it’s painful, I know.
I cannot encourage you enough to seek professional help if you
need it. I suffered with depression following the births of my last
two babies and waited far too long to seek help. I, too, will be
praying for you! In Christ, ~Lisa
Brooke says
Laura, thaks for the encouragment. Right now we’ve had a cloud over our head, but we know God is comforting us and our friends. We lost a very dear friend of ours last week. One of the hardest things to do was to try to explain to my 5 year old that “Uncle Michael” went to be with Jesus. It’s also so difficult to watch my dear friend Carol struggle with the loss of her hubby. our emotions are of joy and saddness. We will miss him but I am THANKFUL that God allows his children who will follow him and do his will to be with him for eternity! What a blessing that will be.
Amy says
Always a good word found here…thank you:)
Gayle says
The Lord definitely gives you what you need when you need it, doesn’t He? Tonight I needed this post. My dad passed away today, so it’s one of the gray times, but God is always faithful.
Chaya says
Thanks for doing this. It makes me realize, I should write a weekly post sharing my gratitude for something that happened that week. Awareness is important.
I am, presently thankful to all the companies that make gluten-free food so many people can now have more complete diets.
Cheryl says
How ironic, Laura!! I haven’t been on the computer in days. I just posted about this exact song and what it meant to me right now. Then I clicked over to your blog and saw this. Great minds think alike, hugh?! Here’s mine: http://momsinneedofmercy.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-it-rains-it-pours.html
Marilu says
Thank you for sharing! This truth got our family through some very difficult times recently. Loved the video, to my surprise and delight some of the images are from my beloved Puerto Rico which makes it even more special for me.