Tag Archives: Proverbs

When we are weak, we are strong

“Arthritis,” the doctor said with a sympathetic look.

“I’m sorry,” I said with a nervous laugh. “I thought you said I have arthritis.”

“I did,” she said.

Wait. Arthritis? That is something that only happens to people (insert cough here) older than me. This can’t be the right diagnosis.  Maybe I twisted my knee and need to wear a brace for a few weeks. Then I will be good as new.

But the doctor was right. I have arthritis in my knee. And it hurts. I always pictured arthritis to be a dull pain in the muscles of the body.  Nope. It’s actually pain coming from the joints. And it’s painful.  Did I mention that?

The doctor explained that there is not much that can be done. The pain will come and go. It can could be triggered with changes in the weather, too much activity or not enough. It can also act up when sitting. Or standing. Or walking up stairs. Pretty much anytime.

I did some research and found an “Arthritis Index” on the Internet. It predicts pain levels that may be experienced based on the local weather.

I’m not sure how accurate this tool is but it’s an interesting concept.

What if we had a “life indicator” that would tell us when times of suffering will head our way?  We could head those trials off and stop them in their tracks. No more worrying, only strategic planning to keep ourselves free from personal or physical pain.

Wouldn’t that be great?

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Well, no.

 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Paul was going through a season of affliction and asked God to take it away. But God did not.

There are two things we can learn from this:

  1. It is through trials that we find God’s grace.
  2. It is through trials that we learn to lean on God for his strength.

God’s grace and strength are what we need most.

Here are a few verses to help us when walking through personal or physical pain.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  –Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

Following God’s path for your life

I stood before the automated soda fountain. It seemed simple enough. The machine’s instructions had me navigating the touchscreen with ease. Only a few simple clicks stood before me and my favorite soda.

But then something happened. My finger stopped mid-air, unwilling to press anymore buttons.

On the screen before me were logos of over one hundred different brands and flavored drinks to choose from. I didn’t realize that many existed.

I realized my choices were endless and began to rethink my decision. Should I choose something different? Maybe I would enjoy a drink I have never tried before? I became lost in a soda world full of choices.

I eventually decided on my favorite cola.

We make many decisions on a daily basis. No wonder we become overwhelmed sometimes. 

  • What will I watch on television?
  • What’s for dinner?
  • Should I make dinner, order a pizza or go to a nice restaurant?
  • What shall I wear today?
  • What time shall I wake up in the morning?

These are just some of the small things we all have to decide every day.

There are also big, life-changing decisions.

  • Who will I marry?
  • How many children will we have?
  • Where shall I work?
  • Where will I live?

Decisions can sometimes be stressful and hard to make.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)

Luckily, we don’t have to become exhausted and confused with all of the choices we face. There are scriptures to help us.

Clear your mind

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Pray for wisdom

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 (NLT)

Isn’t it comforting to know we only need to ask God for wisdom, and He will provide?

Let God lead

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

God will never leave us in the dark. He is forever our guiding light.

Trust God

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21 (NLT)

God is always right beside us.

The importance of raising nieces

Ephesians 5:1A few years ago, my twelve-year-old niece became angry with me for the very first time in her life. I don’t blame her. It was my fault. I did what no aunt should do and broke the “aunt code.”

I went to her mom – my sister – with an issue. Out of the goodness of her heart, my niece did something she thought was right.

I tried talking to her but she could not comprehend how her actions could affect others in a negative way. My guidance was not enough.

I have no children of my own and my sister and her husband have always been gracious enough to let me be a big part of my niece’s life. They trust me to show her right from wrong and to help guide her into becoming a young adult.

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God’s grace is free

Proverbs 29:11 The glaring red light mocked me. I could hear its unpleasant laugh as I stared at it. I only had one short mile to travel, yet managed to approach every street light at the exact time they turned red.

Earlier a friend I had not seen in a few weeks called to say she would be at my house by six that evening. I had plenty of time to run to the grocery store after work. Or so I thought.

I arrived at the store frustrated with the delay but thought I could make up the time with a quick sweep of the store. I headed to the deli and was relieved to find a short line. I took a number and awaited my turn.

My irritation grew as the short wait turned into fifteen minutes due to mechanical failure of the equipment used to slice meat.

I watched as time quickly moved forward. I pictured my friend sitting in her car outside of my home wondering if I had forgotten about her.

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Safe in the fortress of God

Proverbs 10:10When my nephew was a boy, he played baseball. During one of his games, he hit the ball into the outfield. It hit the ground and rolled towards one of the outfielders who picked it up and threw it to first base.

My nephew ran as fast as his little legs would allow. He made it to first base just as the ball flew over his head and past the catcher allowing him to run to second base. It was close, but as the ball was thrown to second base, my nephew was able to slide to safety just in time.

The game continued with my nephew standing on second base. As long as he did remove his foot from the base, he was safe. But the minute he stepped away, he risked the chance of getting an out for the team.

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