Read Deuteronomy 31:6

Watching the high school championship track meet I realized that those kids had to be strong in order to be able to run as fast as they could for one, two, three, four or more times around the entire track!

But then I started to think, just who is really stronger, the runners or the one who crosses the finish line way behind the winner, maybe limping, but with determination to finish the race?

Who is stronger, the person who is very successful and has everything going for them or a woman who suddenly finds herself widowed at the young age with 5 children to raise on her own?

Who is stronger, a famous athlete who is making millions of dollars shooting basketballs or a cancer patient who finally gets to ring the bell because their chemo treatments are over?

That inner strength, that assurance that no matter what, no matter how hard it can get, that everything is going to be OK is a lot stronger and more precious than anything one can achieve from hours at a gym.

Where does that inner strength come from?  It comes from knowing God!  Knowing that He will never let you go!  Knowing He is beside you to cheer you on, behind you to keep you going, and ahead of you to lead the way!

No amount of time spent exercising or money spent on gym memberships and or personal trainers can do as much good as spending time each day with God.  There is nothing better a parent can give their child to prepare them for life than to introduce them to our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus, helping them get to know His voice, feel His hand of comfort, call on His strength and rejoice in His presence!

Occasionally it is said when there is a conflict:

“Yeah, you and what army?”      

Well as a Christian we have an army around us.  We just need to recognize that it is there. 

Then we can say:

“I know who goes before me.
I know who stands behind.

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

The one who reigns forever,
He is a friend of mine.

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side.

And nothing formed against me shall stand!
You hold the whole world in your hands!
I’m holding on to your promises

You are faithful!

You are faithful!”

If you know the maker of the universe, who or what should you fear?  You are strong enough to face the trials and tribulation of this life.  

He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. 

What area(s) of your life do you need to trust in the strength only God can provide? Who are you going to bring alongside yourself in order to make it through?

Reach out and accept His hand!

Pat Arnold