What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Strengthening Exercises Continue

Me, pondering my next "Strengthening Exercise"...maybe a "rockathon"?  


Since I started this new "One Word" campaign for 2014 with the word, "Strengthen",  I am amazed at all the places this word pops up in my daily reading, thoughts, and conversation.  Sort of like when you get a new car, dress or shoes that you think no one else has, you suddenly see it everywhere you go! And you wonder, "Why didn't I notice that before?"  Well, probably because it didn't matter to you before...and now it does.  

Just this morning in my daily devotional reading from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, I read the following:

"I want you to learn a new habit.  Try saying, 'I trust You, Jesus,' in response to whatever happens to you...."  "Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace.  Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me."   
Yes, learning to say, "I trust You, Jesus," no matter what, can be a difficult strengthening exercise.  I have found throughout my years of walking with the Lord that the more I commit myself to trust Him, the more difficult the "exercises" become.  Building trust in God is like climbing up a very steep mountain when you are already tired and weak from a long journey.  Every step seems to be painful and looks impossible, but you know you want to reach the top and see what is there.  You don't want to give up before you reach your goal, but you are so weary you are ready to sit down and quit each time you stumble on the loose rocks and roots along the way. And then Jesus says, 

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2Corinthians 12:9)

 And so we keep climbing. We say, "I trust You, Jesus," and He comes alongside and gives us an extra boost of energy so that we can keep going until we reach the top of the mountain. The more we exercise this trust, the stronger we become.  We gain confidence, knowing that Jesus will be there for us when the next "strengthening exercise" presents itself unexpectedly.  We find ourselves claiming with the Apostle Paul,

"I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

So, here we go...becoming stronger as we learn to trust!  What kind of "strengthening exercises" are you in the midst of today? Ask Jesus to come alongside and give you a boost.  That's better than any energy drink out there!

Well, hubby just came in and said, "Let's go for a walk!"  I guess that's my strengthening exercise for today!





Whew! I'm glad that's over!  But I do feel stronger already..pant pant...

Thank you, Lord, for this "strengthening exercise" from Your Word, and from Your Divine Inspiration.

I have a feeling I'm gonna get a lot stronger this year, one way or the other!


6 comments:

  1. I bet you get a lot stronger this year also! :) He's just good about things like that! ;)

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    1. Yes He is. Sometimes we get stronger just by waiting on the Lord and listening to His voice. It doesn't always require activity. I'll write more about that later I think, because that's a little message I keep hearing in my ear. Thank you for your thoughts today!

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    2. Running? Whoohoo! Keep it up and both of you will be stronger this year---and that's just the physical strengthening part! :)

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    3. Doris, we ran for a very short distance. Long enough to take the pictures. LOL! But I am trying to get back outside and walk more again. If I could just get home before dark every day it would help! Oh well...I make up for it on the weekend.

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  2. Keep your eyes open for God's messages to you in 2014. I pray you get to enjoy more walks with your husband thisyear.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, God does send us His messages sometimes in mysterious ways, other times in obvious ways if we are paying attention. He causes us to grow stronger through many diverse ways...some really good, and others not so good on the surface, but always with His grace and mercy. Blessings to you today my friend.

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