Over the past seven years, I’ve been told a variation of “You’re so strong!” more times that I can recall. I know every time it has been said, it has been said as a compliment and to encourage me. Sometimes it does to serve as those things, but mostly it makes me frustrated that people can’t see the truth, at least not the truth I see.
I don’t remember exactly when it was, but after one of my earlier miscarriages (#3 or 4), I was sitting outside by my front door trying to make sense of things when my sister-in-law arrived. She hugged me and I remember telling her “I can’t do this!” I believed those words with all my heart in that moment. I had never done this before, I never in a million years thought I would have to live through this. Without a moment of hesitation she looked me in the eye and quoted Phillipians 4:13 to me: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Those words brought to light Hebrews 4:12 “For the the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints an marrow, and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
As soon as she spoke the words, I knew – I couldn’t do this, it’s too much to bear – but I’m not just me anymore and I wasn’t bearing this grief alone. You see on that day when I was 17 and I gave my heart and my life to Jesus; from that moment on, he has been with me.
So here’s where my frustration comes in with people commenting on MY strength: it’s not me, not at all me, because me wants to give into the pain and quit. It is CHRIST IN ME that gives me strength. It’s his strength to me that gets me through everyday; that heals my heart; that restores my joy!!! So my dear friends who are searching for strength to continue on, to rise up; look to Jesus. He alone can give you that strength you so desire!!!