GOD, I’M WITH YOU! I’M WITH YOU! I’M WITH YOU!!!
That was me to God today after a low moment when I went running to Him feeling extremely overwhelmed by everything I’m tackling now! He beautifully showed up for me! Here’s how:
No shame! I replay this message from Ceri every morning for my alone time with God::
“Philippians 4:11-13 says:
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
What stood out in these verses was when Apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of living in every situation. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Like that’s the secret. That’s literally the secret!
Any person who is successful or has accomplished anything or who went through any battle and made it through the other end, that is the secret. You can do anything through Christ who strengthens you . Once you fix your mind on God and take your mind off everything else, that is just literally the secret. And remember that you can do anything through the strength of God, and the power of God.
Fast forward to me going at 54 minutes past the hour, I ran to page 54 of our family’s website to see what God had to say to me in that highly overwhelming moment, and look what incredibly showed up:
“Follow the Leader
Many of us try to be in charge. We want to make our own decisions…But there’s a better way. When we trust in the Lord, He gets to be in charge. And he always makes the best choices. The apostle Paul was at peace because he knew God was directing his life. Even when he was locked in a Roman prison, he could write, “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” (Philippians 4:12b). What’s the “secret” he learned? He depended on God’s strength. That’s called trust.
Paul had to learn to trust God. It didn’t come naturally to him. Once he did, he was content and peaceful. You too can learn to trust the Lord and allow him to guide you. The safest place to be is following God wherever he wants to take you.
Prayer: Lord, I want the amazing peace Paul had. Even when it is not easy to trust and depend on you alone, I know you are truly in control and will take care of me.” – A Purpose Driven Life Devotional For Kids by Rick Warren
That message showing up there for me in that crazy moment was all precisely orchestrated by God! No coincidence that I listen to Ceri’s message every day about the “secret” and relying on God’s strength and for me to go to this page for Rick Warren to talk about the same “secret.” God was having some fun with me, too – Nik, you’re forgetting the “secret” my girl! Relax! I got you!
And He got you, too! Let’s remember the secret that we can do all things with God by our side! God, help us to stop doubting you knowing you are taking care of all that concerns us in the spiritual realm on our behalf. Wink! Wink!