Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

All throughout my life i have heard and been quoted this verse in the context of being able to do great things for Christ with His help. Of being able to step out on faith and "conquer the world." And all this is true, but this last Sabbath i saw this verse in a different way.

If you read the previous two verses it says: 

"I am not saying this because i am in need, for i have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." 

THAN it says, "I can do all THIS through Him who gives me strength." 

This past week has been a rough one for me, and hearing this verse this way, was a huge encouragement to me! And i am so thankful for God showing me this and helping me see that no matter what situation im in that He will give me the strength i need to get through it. 

My Eyes Were Opened

Saturday night I had the opportunity to go to Matt and Josie Minikus' concert.  I went thinking it would be good to hear them sing again and that I would probably get a blessing from it, which I needed. Little did I know though that God had a much bigger blessing for me than I could imagine, a blessing that came in the form of a lesson.  A lesson that He knew I needed to learn.

Before Josie sang one of her songs that she wrote, she told us a little about why she wrote it and the meaning behind it. The song was about how even Sparrows in a flock of Birds of Paradise were still given a song to sing by God, and that Daisies even though they are little were still given a face to lift up to Him, and be a blessing to others.

Josie said that she used to compare herself to others, and wonder why she was in the place she was in, and why she was even bothering to sing. Since the other girl she was singing with had a much stronger, beautiful voice. Than God taught her the lesson of the Daisy and the Sparrow.

As I sat there in the audience listening to her tell this experience and sing that song, tears welled up in my eyes.  I realized that the song that she was singing was meant for me. All my life, I have compared myself to others, and tried to please as many people as possible. I guess, subconsciously I have known that I do this to myself, but i've never taken the time to realize and do something about it.

I realized how much pain I cause myself because I think that I am not good enough, or as smart as my siblings. Or most of all, as talented musically..

But I see now even though I dont have that many really good talents, I do have some. And I need to be using them not to please myself, but to be a blessing to others. He gave them to me to use, not to hide because I dont think they are good enough.

I thank God that my eyes were opened, and I pray that as I continue on this journey that I may endeavor to be a blessing to others.

Lots of memories come with this song...