“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

I would have to say that this is my life verse.  The one verse I have repeated in my head, out loud and brought to mind more than any other verse in my entire life.  The one verse that has brought me through a lot.

I can first remember using it when trying out for majorette my 9th grade year of junior high.  You see, I’d tried out the year before and not made it which made me determined to try out again and make it.  Anyone else strong willed like that? 😉

I was a nervous wreck the day of tryouts but clung to my God and my verse.  I’m sure during the 20 or so minutes of me being out there by myself I repeated my verse over 100 times.  What I remember most about those minutes is the joy, calm and confidence that only came through Christ.  I also remember He was there with me the whole time, carrying my little 13 year old self through something very nerve wracking and something I wanted so very badly.

Little did I know how many other tryouts and situations in life that verse would carry me through- and still does.

Bedtime at our house (with a 2.5 and 5.5 year old) is hard more often than not.  It’s probably been the most challenging thing for me as a parent (please tell me I’m not the only one!?).  The last two nights have been especially rough and this morning as I remember my life verse, I’m reminded that I didn’t cling to it either night.  Yes I cried out to God to help me stay calm and get through this without raising my voice at my kids but both nights I ended up reaching a boiling point.  Ugh.

This has reminded me of the importance that Scripture plays in my life.  It’s not just to read and to know, but to be tucked away in my heart and soul so I can know it and live it when I need it (which is daily!).  When we memorize and meditate on Scripture, the Lord will bring it to mind when we most need it.  To help ourselves and also to help others.

So now, before bedtime even starts, I’m going to recite my verse.

Actually, both kids are up and ready to go and I’m reciting my verse.

Through Christ, we can do ALL things if we allow Him to be the One to strengthen us.  No matter what is on the agenda today, big or small, let’s focus on this verse, not on that overwhelming sense of all that needs to be done (because, I’ll be honest, I’m feeling it!).  Write it down on a sticky note and put it on the dash of your car, or on your computer; I promise you will see it just when you need it.

Jesus wants to be our strength.  He wants to carry us through life and rely solely on Him.  Are we relying on His strength or our own?

“My power works best in weakness.”II Corinthians 12:9

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:10

Let’s rest in the verses and know through Him we can do all things.

Have a Happy Friday! 🙂 .