Today, I am 36 years old.
Birthdays are both joyful and reflective for me.
Aside from feeling grateful for another year of life, every year on my birthday, there are certain lessons and truths I like to reflect upon. They help me evaluate what I’ve learned over the course of the previous months (and years), that will continue to add richness to my life far into the future.
This year, 2011’s close call following my wrist surgery and my mother Annie’s victorious, albeit intensely difficult battle with breast cancer, still continue to shape me in numerous ways.
I have a great respect for human fragility and weakness, of course, but an even greater confidence in God’s strength to carry us through anything. Whether the obstacles exist in our own lives or the lives of others we love and care for deeply, I understand this one thing. Our focus should never be on the problem, but the power the problem-solver to give us victory.
So often, we spend time looking at the issues, obstacles, and negative circumstances before us.
We feel overwhelmed, over-powered, and in over our heads. We get down and dispirited because it seems like what we have is not enough to overcome the adversity.
But don’t devalue the power of the one who is more than enough.
Have you forgotten that He is working in us, through us, and for us? Though what we have to work with and cling to may seem small, God is still able to do great things when we trust Him.
Take the faith, perseverance, strength, resources, and opportunities you do have—great or small—and give it all over to God.
Watch what He does.
Today, don’t ask God to give you more. Ask God to show you how to do more with what you already have. If you have more than two fish and five loaves of bread, you already have more than Jesus did when he fed a multitude of 5,000 in Mark 6:30-44.
When it all comes down to it, we don’t possess the true power anyway. God does.
To remind you of this, I’m stirring Philippians 2:13 NIV into your cup of inspiration today. It says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will recognize that what you have is all you need, because you have God. And He is the greatest need-supplier I know. Hold fast to Philippians 4:19 NIV that says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Now let’s pray.
God, thank You for letting me know that any need I have, Your power goes above and beyond it. When I feel doubtful, as if what I have is not enough to make it through, please remind me that the same Jesus that fed the multitude with a little boy’s lunch is able to multiply the portion You have granted me. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Special Birthday Request:
Today, I am asking my family, friends, and ministry supporters to give Hurricane Sandy victims some much-needed aid through a donation to the American Red Cross in honor of my birthday. Thank you in advance. Get details here.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
