So, this morning I woke up at 6:00 am with about 4 hours of sleep under my belt, got the children up and ready, nursed the baby and was out the door by 7:15 am to run (I walked) my second 5K!
Now, I did not prepare myself or train like I did with the first 5K and I had a baby 4 months ago so I have quite a bit of extra baggage that I am toting around. However, I did it! It took me 1 hour and 4 minutes pushing a stroller with my 15 lb chunky monkey, but I did it! Some would call that strength.
But where does our strength come from, and I am talking about inner strength here? Does it come from that morning cup o' joe? Does it come from perseverance? What about life's circumstances, have they made you strong? Recently, I saw a Facebook post that said " It takes someone strong, to make someone strong". Do you agree with that statement? Here are my thoughts:
I have 3 daughters. I have to be strong. My whole life has been full of situations that have made me stronger whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually, but where does my strength come from?
The verse that comes to mind is Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." I have put my hope in Him. The one who controls ALL things! I have put my hope in Him that I will have a better marriage than what I saw, love my children unconditionally, physically tackle any strongholds that took attack on my body or mind, become the god fearing women that He created me to be. My hope lies in the constant prayer that one day He will come back to take me home and He will say, "well done, my good and faithful servant".
My strength is not only for me but for those who come after me, for those that I have been given the extreme privilege of raising up into godly women. I have to be strong to make someone strong. I want them to see my inner strength as opposed to my outer strength (be there any, lol).
Now, please don't misunderstand me in this letter to you. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve and I want my children to know that that is not wrong, in fact that is a good quality to have. I just also want them to know that when they are facing trials or struggling to where things feel beyond their control, that there is a power greater than this world and greater than anything they could ever do alone. I want them to hit their knees and call upon His name, the name of the Lord God Almighty for their strength. He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1 ) I want them to know where their strength comes from!
So, ask yourself ....where does your strength come from?
Til' next time,
Jessica
P.S.- sorry for the highlighting, I'm not sure what happened :(
