Stronger

As a writer, I love to tell stories. Sometimes, though, when the stories are not mine to tell, it becomes difficult to express myself. 
I have many feelings I would like to share today. But, because these emotions have been elicited by someone else's story, I must be careful how I share them and what I say.

Now, if that isn't vague and confusing...

What I'm trying to say is that sometimes I struggle, not because of something that is happening to me or because of the life stage I am finding myself in, but because of someone else's pain and suffering. 
When a close friend or relative is experiencing pain, I experience it to. Not to the same extent, but it's still there. My thoughts, prayers and emotions often revolve around my friend, my mother, my sister, and so on.

Last week, I received a text message, which went something like this, "It's happening now."

I was in the car at the time. (Don't worry, I was sitting in the parking lot waiting to pick up my girls, not driving). On the radio was this song, by Mandisa. I had heard it countless times before, but the words began to speak to me differently this time.

When the waves are taking you under

Hold on just a little bit longer

He knows that this is going to make you stronger

How many times in life have I felt like I was drowning? Under the waves of anxiety, failure, insecurity.

Try and do the best you can

Hold on and let Him hold your hand

And go on and fall into the arms of Jesus

We forget, don't we? About Jesus. That His arms are always outstretched. All we have to do is take advantage of His strength and rest in Him.

He knows how much it hurts

And I'm sure He's gonna help you get through this

This life is not easy. There will be periods of trials and triumph, of failure and favor. We can't forget that God knows our hurts, intimately. And, because His knowledge of us is so great, who better is there to guide us through our life and experiences? No one.

Right now I feel tired and weak. And, I know that I am not alone. But, God, in His Word, has made promises to strengthen us, with His power, when we have been emptied by this life.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 

Isaiah 40:29

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. 

Psalms 118:14

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.

1 Chronicles 16:11

God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 

Psalms 18:32

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