Closed Doors, Open Windows

Welcome to my "Open Window"...a place of hope, encouragement, and adventure as we journey down the road from "Closed Doors" to the new opportunities God places in our pathway. I hope you will take the time to go back and follow the trail of mixed blessings and fears, failures and triumphs from the past and side-trips in the present. Perhaps it will conjure up some of your own special memories, and be an invitation for you to share with others. I look forward to spending this time with you!

Showing posts with label climbing. Show all posts

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!