THE STRENGTH I NEED

Iris Bammert walked slower than most to the podium.  Her face reflected a quiet confidence that no matter how long it took, she would reach her goal.  At last, she reached the microphone and spoke with gentle strength.  "God has let me know that in this life we have tribulation, but be of good cheer.  I have overcome the world."

Iris had suffered a debilitating stroke in the prime of her life.  Her whole world changed in a moment -- from self-sufficiency to complete dependency.  She can't drive a car anymore; instead she's driven to her knees in prayer, seeking a strength that is not her own.  She can barely speak, but God enabled her to remind the women in our Bible study, "This life is not so important.  Don't forget the Lord is the One who does everything in and through us."

God does not ask you to walk in your own strength -- He knows that is impossible.  However, He does promise to give you the strength you need to walk in a way that is pleasing to Him.  Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need" (NLT).

-- Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose in Pathway to God's Treasure: Ephesians


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