Strength of my Heart

Do you know what chronic illness is? I do, along with many other women in our church. It means waking up each morning never knowing what your body is going to feel like. It is medicine and doctor's appointments and pain and fatigue and so many other things. I have dealt with this for over 20 years. But the thing about chronic illness is, most of the time, you would never know just by looking at me or anyone else with a chronic illness that we have it or how much it affects everything we do.

However, this verse and so many others encourage me. My body is going to fail me, and someday yours will too. As we know, in this life, we get discouraged; we all have things that weigh us down. I love how it says, "But God remains the strength of my heart." It's not about me. It's not about what I can do; it's about what He can do. I've wrestled with God many times over the last 20 years about this. Each time, like Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, He tells me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God is the reason I have the strength to face each day. He is my rock and my firm foundation. I know that I do not walk this life alone, and neither do you. God tells us to lay everything down at His feet. It's in the surrendering that you get freedom. I can't do this life alone, and thanks to Jesus and His sacrifice, I don't have to. God wants to hear from you, all of it. There are days I've shouted and screamed at Him; there have been days when I've cried tons of tears, and through it all, He reminds me that He is here. He never leaves me to walk alone. Whatever you are struggling with today, do not carry it alone; give it to Jesus. Some days it will be easier to do than others. Sometimes you have to ask for help multiple times a day.