“Loving God, Learning His Word, Living for Christ, Leading Others to do Likewise”

Strengthen That Which Remains

There is an old saying “what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger”.  Individuals, families, and our nation continue to face many challenges that are not yet resolved.  As we embrace life as a family and its constant challenges and changes, we can embrace the promise from God that He causes “all things” to work together for our good.  Romans 8:28 (NLT) “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” 

One thing that we can grasp as a family is to determine to be strengthened through adversity and uncertainty.  We are given today as a gift to invest in one another.  We relate to strengthening our bodies through weight training; i.e. the heavier the weight the stronger our muscle; i.e. the heavier the challenge, the stronger our character.  When we have persevered through challenges, and realize we have survived and are better for it, then we have grown in strength. 

What does a “strong” family look like?   They stick together, they make the most out of current circumstances, and they engage humor in a safe way — they laugh together at themselves.  Strength and resolve has us rolling up our sleeves and declaring together “we have to do what we have to do”.  The challenges and events of the past twelve months should have caused us to ponder, re-evaluate, and assess.  The words of Christ to the church at Sardis:

Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.” 

Revelation 3:2 (NLT)

Let’s commit to stronger families through our loyalty to one another and our determination to bring as much cooperation and pleasantness to everyday life that we can offer.  If God asked us today what challenges we want tomorrow, we would naturally say none; however, He allows our struggles and challenges as He chooses so that we might be shaped as He wishes.  The Bible refers to us as the clay and Christ as the Potter.  Isaiah 29:16 (NLT): “How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and He is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, ‘He didn’t make me’? Does a jar ever say, ‘The potter who made me is stupid’?” 

Strength is made up of resolve, attitude, patience, and determination.  Does that describe our families?  Isaiah 64:8 (NLT): “And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.”  As we embrace life, let us embrace Christ and one another.  Pray that the love among your family will abound more and more as Paul prayed for the church at Philippi. 

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” 

Philippians 1:9 (NLT)

Determine together “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV).

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Anita Blake

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