I’ve never been so aware of my own weakness as the day Mark and I set out in a canoe, oblivious to the approaching storm. One minute the water was glass; the next it rose around us in hungry waves.
For some reason I was in the power seat up front, while my husband had taken charge of steering from the back. But what worked well in the calm was disaster in the storm. We needed power, and my arms were not up to the task. It was too rough to change places, even if we had been able to maneuver around the young child who sat between us.
Mark yelled. I shook. The child cried. I was certain we would die.
Thank God we did not die, we did not even capsize — although it did take a long time to get to shore with my ineffectual stabbing with the oars. From behind, Mark managed to steer us through the chaos.
I’ve thought of that often since, when I face challenges that are too great for me. Where am I sitting in the “boat” of life? Am I in the front, relying on my puny power? Am I sitting in back, steering the way I want to go? Or have I allowed the Lord to guide and the Holy Spirit to provide power? Am I sitting like a child in the bottom of the boat, relying on them to carry me?
“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,” St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10.
The Bible is full of encouraging, empowering passages about the way God is strong on our behalf. This page from my journal shows some of the things I discovered one day as I meditated on some of my go-to verses on strength:
If you find yourself in need of God’s strength, take some time to meditate on those passages yourself, and see how he will speak to you and uphold you:
- Jeremiah 16:19
- Ephesians 6:10 (or 10:10-20 on putting on the armor of God)
- Psalm 59 (especially vss 9, 16-17)
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Philippians 4:13
This only cracks the surface of the helpful passages in the Bible. What are your favorites?
Blessings on you as you read his Word.
© 2017 Sarah Christmyer
Many years ago in the midst of a very difficult time I opened my scripture to 2 Chronicles. I remember thinking, ” what could Chronicles possibly say to me.” But there were the words, ” Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s. ……take your position, stand still, and see the victory the Lord has on your behalf.” I have never forgotten that.
Three of my favorite verses are: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, Isaiah 41: 10, and Jeremiah 29: 11-13. The Isaiah verse is extra special. So far, I have found 150 “Do not fear” verses in my Bible. It is so comforting to know God is always watching me and ready to come to my aid with His Word.
Isa 41:10 – “fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” – beautiful! I can see why it’s so special to you. And I love it that you keep a list. Thank you for sharing these with us!
I’m so thankful to have you and your blog, Sarah! I was raised Evangelical Protestant, as well. My husband was brought up in a mainline Protestant Tradition, a regular Presbyterian church. However, miraculously, for different reasons, we both started our individual searches for truth. As His Divine Will blessed us, my husband and I arrived at this truth, that was “The Truth” at the same time and the same place, The First Christians were without doubt, The Catholic Church.
That had been since 2009 — almost 8 years this fall. We’ve never regretted this decision! Please pray for me to be an effective witness to the fullness of The Faith the way Catholics have been throughout time.
Last, but not least, Isaiah 41:10 has been that verse for me throughout my life.. ups and downs, good and bad.. it still comes to me. I am so thankful for His love and guidance.
Many blessings for your work for His Church and His Glory.
Teresa S
Thanks for sharing that, Teresa! I am praying for you today.
Here’s Isa 41:10, for those who don’t know it. It’s a real treasure: “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”