I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
As a mom, my days begin and end according to the needs of others. One child is hungry, another needs help getting dressed, and someone has to go to the bathroom. Even the dog desperately runs back and forth from me to the door, knowing I’m her ticket to freedom. There is a unique weariness that comes from being the nose-wiper and owie-fixer and food delivery service to tiny humans who are unable to fend for themselves. My children desperately need me—all of me. All of my patience, compassion, mercy, and most of all—love. So, I give. Willingly on my best days, and a little begrudgingly on my not-so-great days.
Where, then, can I go for strength when I’ve given my “all?” If I give and serve until I can’t anymore (or until they go to sleep, whichever comes first!), how do I muster the energy and determination to do it all again? The answer, for me, is found in what Paul said—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Connecting With Jesus
On the surface, Jesus lived a life very different from mine, as a stay at home mom. Jesus was not a parent, and certainly didn’t have a house to maintain. Looking deeper though, our experiences are strikingly similar. Jesus was a meal-providing, a feet-washing, problem-solving servant. He constantly tended to the needs of others—including his closest friends, who were often, exasperatingly, missing the point. During his time on earth, Jesus was sought, and touched, and bombarded by those who just wanted a piece of him—his healing, his mercy, and his wisdom. Yet, remarkably, he never flinched in his servitude. Even at his most vulnerable he put aside his own will, for his Father and those he loved.
That is how Christ strengthens me. If Jesus could experience (and triumph over!) the difficult tasks set before him, I can too. There is nothing about my life to which Jesus cannot relate. He has “been there,” without as much as a place to rest his head. In my most trying moments, it helps me to picture Jesus nudging me forward, and encouraging me. Jesus is my strength, and I can do anything because he has done everything on my behalf.
Wow, Rach, so lovely to read this. Hits a note for so many people. I appreciate your vulnerability.
You can do all things—even writing an encouraging commuter verse! Thank you.
Sometimes, when my kids were little and all still in the back seat, driving each other (and me)crazy, I pictured Jesus sitting beside me upfront. He and I shared a lot of loud sighs and laughter. He understands it all.
Being conformed to the image of Christ whatever it takes is our goal. Romans 8:29