Give me strength!

What a start to 2021! Yet another national lockdown!! My day has been spent planning out six weeks worth of remote learning, organising activities and adapting lessons for key worker children, and just getting my head around the idea that we are now back at the beginning, where this all started. To say I’m feeling overwhelmed, stressed and devastated is an understatement. I wish for nothing more than to be working as normal within my classroom, teaching and supporting the children, just simply doing the job that I love, but sadly that is not going to be happening anytime soon. Entering into lockdown again has filled me with much anxiety, panic and despair.

However, after a busy and tiring day at work, I came home and noticed the calendar on my wall. This year my Calendar in my room features a bible verse each month, and January’s verse is this:

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”

Philippians 4:13

A very apt one in my opinion! As we enter into this period of lockdown once more, I think we are all in a desperate need of drawing on God’s strength. The weight of uncertainty, loneliness, and stress can become unbearable at times, but we must remember that we are not facing these things alone!

This verse in Philippians shows how Paul joyfully declares his confidence that God will allow him to endure anything. We can witness Paul’s discovery that his sufficient strength was in Christ alone. He understood that he could live a triumphant Christian life, no matter what troubles came his way – not because of his own human strength or charismatic character, but through the indwelling Spirit of Christ, who provides the strength and wisdom we need in every daily situation. We know we are relying on our own strength when we find ourselves exhausted and worn out. God does not want this for us; He intends for us to enjoy His presence and not live in anxiousness, no matter what we face. Instead, we should become dependent on God, seeking more of His strength rather than trying to manage by ourselves. This means taking our hands off our situation and giving it to God. When we learn to give our worries to Him, His peace will then guard our hearts and minds.

Remember: Nothing is impossible with God! There are numerous accounts of this perspective throughout the Bible; When the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, or when they entered into the promised land, or when David defeated Goliath, or when the walls of Jericho fell…all these things seemed impossible but with God they happened.

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”

Jeremiah 32:17

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you”

Job 42:2

In Judges 6, we see how Gideon overcame his battles because of God’s strength, and not by his own. God assured Gideon’s victory by His presence; just as God is the only assurance you need to fight your battles, He will sustain you through any storm. As the verse says, “I can do ALL things, through Christ who strengthens me” – it doesn’t say some things or the easy ones, the word ‘all’ is the promise from God that He will be within each and every circumstance, as He is with us always and is in control. When we recognise this, and fully trust in God, we can become empowered by his Spirit and enjoy that joy and peace that follows.

This month I challenge you, as I am challenging myself, to lean on Jesus and depend on Him, even if our circumstances do not get better. We need to allow Jesus to become the source of our joy, regardless of whether our problems or situations are being solved or improved. Just knowing He is always with us, that he will never leave us nor forsake us, should produce all kinds of joy and hope. Whatever happens this year, whatever difficulties or trials come your way, you can and will overcome them as Christ will be right beside you, supporting, guiding and strengthening you with every step.

All you need to do is call out to God and ask Him to give you strength!

God Bless 🙂 x