By: Katrina Weir
Devotional:
What does being strong look like to you? Can you think back of a recent circumstance that required you to be strong? For many of us the word has a different definition, but I feel we can agree that strength calls for a power to overcome something difficult. Now, we recognize how strong we are until we have to overcome a problem, whether it is recovering from a broken heart, learning to forgive someone or passing a difficult class.
As a former athlete I knew what it was like to be successful, but also what it felt like for an injury to instantly derail my career. For any athlete, injuries are not fun and recovery always floods their minds with questions: Can I do this anymore? Am I good enough? They fear never being able to compete again and losing that sought-after scholarship.
In 2013, I was having the best season of my track and field career. I just qualified for Indoor Nationals and was excited to run faster, but unfortunately I pulled my hamstring and it was a huge set back. Mad at myself, I was also questioning God; why did this happen now? It was during this time I discovered just who God was in my life and what I was capable of with Him. To get myself ready for Nationals, I had to work very hard and stay disciplined: staying late in the gym, changing my eating habits and developing a personal relationship with God.
Now you may say, “I am not an athlete. Why are you telling me this?” Right now, you may be dealing with something that might look bigger than you can handle. I want you to know that even with your doubts, you are the man or woman for the job. When you come out stronger, you will look back and see God was with you all along. Philippians 4:13 encourages us, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (NIV).
When I look back, I wanted to quit, but every day I made the decision to keep going. It was a hard time for me and changed my perspective, showing that the difficulties are what God uses to show us that we are strong and only getting stronger.
I challenge you to set a reminder for yourself, whether it is in your phone or a handwritten note somewhere. Whatever you are currently facing, tell yourself, “I can do it!” and then put it in God’s hands.
Be strong and very courageous. Joshua 1:7 (NIV)
