"God's Strength, Embracing the Wind of Change"
Good morning VOD 🕊
Philippians 4:13
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength"
Lord, I'm ready, the season has ended, I can feel the winds if change...
You're sending me out towards open waters... out past the horizon again.
Are we going Into the places I once thought impossible?
I know You by now, and see the twinkle in your eye! It usually means I'm getting ready to practice at falling down again...
When a smile comes before I fall down, it means the floor is inevitable...
New opportunities mean baby steps are coming, when short steps stumble, there's not much pain after falling down.
Does it amuse You watching a baby grow up by falling down? You already know I won't listen until I scape my knees once or twice! But I want to be strong. I want to be courageous, I want to grow up and be like You! That twinkle means Your watching, I know you're here whatever we do!
I can't wait to get started, impossible places is where anything goes! My strength comes from You, so nothing is impossible.
It's in these 'impossible places,' where the horizon seems endless, I find my own abilities fall short, I find Your familiar presence joyful, the twinkle in Your eye signals more than just a fall, but an even deeper rise.
Lord, I'm learning, that these baby steps, and stumbles, aren't failures but lessons... I'm like a child learning to walk, experiencing the ground only to learn to trust Your hand will catch me.
I'm not afraid of falling; I want to embrace the journey!
I know that with You, every scraped knee gives me stronger legs, new legs and a more courageous heart, and i'll be more than ready to run the race that You have set before me!
So yes, send me out, beyond the familiar, into the unknown. Let the winds of change carry me. I'm ready for the impossible because my strength isn't mine; it's Yours, instilled within me. I am capable of anything You call me to do.
With You as my constant companion, the very source of my courage and power, I can't be discouraged, You are with me always, whenever, wherever I go. Let's go, I want to get started! I can do all things through You who strengthens me, and that sky has no limit!
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Throughout my own spiritual journey, I have found immense comfort and motivation in the words of Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This verse reminds me that no matter how daunting new challenges or changes may seem, strength is never truly mine alone—it is a gift to depend on from a greater source. Embracing change often feels like stepping into the unknown, much like the metaphor of setting sail towards open waters described in this reflection. Just as a child learning to walk experiences many falls but continues to rise stronger, I’ve learned that setbacks are not failures but valuable lessons that build resilience. The concept of "falling down" yet rising again resonates deeply with me. Every stumble has taught me to trust more in God’s guidance and to develop courage that grows with each trial faced. Joshua 1:9’s call to “be strong and courageous” is not just a command but a promise that God’s presence accompanies us wherever we go. This assurance has helped me overcome fear and discouragement during transitions, whether personal, professional, or spiritual. In practical terms, embracing the "winds of change" means being willing to step beyond comfort zones and familiar surroundings. It’s about starting with small steps, accepting vulnerability, and trusting that these initial baby steps will lead to greater confidence and capability. For me, each new opportunity—even those once deemed impossible—has become a doorway to growth when approached with this mindset. Ultimately, this journey of faith and transformation is ongoing. The continual "twinkle in God's eye" mentioned in the reflection reminds me that God not only watches over my every move but also delights in each effort to move forward, fall, and rise again. This perspective has made me more comfortable with uncertainty, fueling a sense of excitement and readiness to face whatever lies beyond the horizon. Embracing change through God’s strength empowers me to live courageously and believe that truly, nothing is impossible when strength comes from Him.
AMEN