Strength Through Living Daily With Christ

A snow angel made on a four inch thick layer of ice over a creek bed.

As I sit here in the dimness of dawn, I look out at our yard which is now completely covered in snow and ice.  I praise God that the ice we did receive was not wet and did not stick to the power lines.  I praise God that I have been blessed with a home to keep me sheltered from the bitter cold that is outside my windows.  I praise Him for keeping me, my wife, my family, and my friends safe despite the dangerous weather conditions we have had for days.

I know that my Lord is always there for me.  He is protecting me in ways I will probably never know.  He is teaching me constantly about who He is.  I am so thankful that God is real, truly loves us, and actively seek to develop a close relationship with us daily.

To be honest, this month has been a one of great struggles for me.  There have been many times this month where I have struggled with how I am going to pay bills, what I should do in certain situation, leaps of faith I have had to take, and sin I have had to battle against.  All of these situations sought to encase me, like the ice outside my doorstep, in a cage of bitterness and frustration but as I learn to lean on the Lord more and more daily I see how He protects my heart and lifts me up in His strength.

I am truly beginning to understand what Paul meant when he said in Philippians 3:7-9, "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him."  No trouble of this world matters with Christ at the helm of my life.  He is my sustainer and in understanding this I can truly live and believe Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."


No matter what situation you find yourself in today, I hope that you will put your complete faith in Jesus.  He is truly all you need in this world to live and live abundantly.  You will still face struggles in this life but Jesus will sustain you and keep you in each one.  He will walk beside you and help carry any burden you are facing.  All your struggles will truly be light with Jesus as your Savior and Lord.  


Blessings,


Greg