Be Strong

Ask anyone. They'll tell you that nothing tears down your strength and stamina like stress. And this illustrious "they" will also tell you that many weddings are a recipe for stress. Now honestly, Brad & I have been very fortunate to have an extremely supportive family (on both sides) and interactions that have been conflict-free and nothing less than loving. We've had nothing of the family tensions that people talk about, and that is a beautiful blessing.

Nevertheless, it's "crunch time," and I think all huge life changes are accompanied by some sort of stress. After all, it is a big deal. An important decision. A significant change... albeit a lovely one. And so, sometimes I feel anything but strong... a usually 'put-together' girl, at times I'm transformed into an emotional basketcase.

But, when we aren't strong, there is one who gives us strength.

My strength is in You, Lord.


Strength through Encouragement

20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command." -1 Chronicles 28:20-21

Here David is talking to his son, and like most loving parents, he is encouraging. Be strong, and courageous and do the work. I've been reading up on puppy training recently, for my little puppy Shaya. And I've recently read about the 'scaredy cat' or 'scaredy pup' type. It recommends that the owner shouldn't constantly coddle the dog when they are afraid, because that will encourage the frightened behavior, making them continuously afraid of what they hear as they grow older. Instead, comfort the dog, telling them it's ok, but continue to portray confidence... giving the pup security.

Imagine if David had instilled a fear reaction in Solomon. He might not have grown into the wise king that he did. And his reasoning for Solomon was simple. In essence, he said, "Do not be afraid. Be strong, because... 1) God is with you, 2) He is faithful. 3) He will give you help. And we are in the same situation. Whenever we feel weak to complete a task... to build a temple, to go through with the wedding plans, to raise a puppy, to raise a child, to not worry about tomorrow and the questions it holds for housing and jobs, to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply. We need to remember that God is with us to help us, He is faithful, and He will give us help (family, friends, the Holy Spirit).


Strength through Prayer

14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 15 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided." -1 Chronicles 29:14-19

While our words of reassurance and our works (physical help) are very important, prayer is also powerful. When we feel powerless to help in a situation, we must remember the amazing power of God... and the power that He gives to us through prayer. If we call upon our Father, praying for others in times of weakness and prayer for ourselves, He will be there for us.

I just went up to the hospital yesterday to pray for Tara's little 1 pound baby, and I continue to pray for her health. I know that this little dear needs our prayers, as does the whole family... and I could not imagine a more loving mother for her baby. Tara is tireless in her commitment to little Kaila Jeanine. She loves and cares and nurtures her baby, and she is there with her. And I believe God is there with both of them. And we pray for them... that God continue to give them great strength at this time.


Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. -Psalm 27:14

This verse is one of my favorites, and although it sounds sweet, it is a hard verse to put into action when it needs to be put into action. When we are feeling weak, it is hard to wait, it is hard to take heart, it is hard to feel the strength of the Lord. But we are called to strength, and we know that if we wait on the Lord and trust in Him... He will grant us His strength... the strength that we need to do all that He has given us...

strength to forgive...
strength to love...
strength to nurture...

strength for today...
strength for tomorrow...
strength forever and ever. Amen.