God Strengthens Me

By: Grace Metzger

I know how to be brought low,
and I know how to abound. In any
and every circumstance, I have learned
the secret of facing plenty and hunger,
abundance and need. I can do all things
through Him who strengthens me.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12-13 ESV‬‬

Lately my reading has been in Philippians and I have been left shocked at Paul's strength throughout his struggles. Paul wrote Philippians while he was in prison, yet he’s never complaining, yelling at God, or giving up his faith. Rather he’s staying strong saying that he’s persevering because God is strengthening him.

This opened my eyes to how I’ve been handling struggles. I love to complain, I like to joke it’s a hobby of mine. Everyday after work I call my mom to complain about my day. I wasn’t asking God to strengthen me to handle things but rather whining about them. 

 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery
trial when it comes upon you to test you,
as though something strange were happening
to you. But rejoice insofar as you share
Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice
and be glad when His glory is revealed.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When I was younger I had a habit of getting mad at God for the trials I was facing. I knew God loved me so I couldn’t comprehend why He wouldn’t take my suffering away. I think it’s human nature to get upset when things happen, it’s not good but it’s what our flesh wants to do. As humans we tend to have a very narrow view of what’s happening, we don’t see or even try to see how this trial could be for our benefit. 

You might ask how could what I’m going through be for my benefit? Which is a fair question that I can sadly not answer fully, for I don’t know God’s plan for your life. What I can do is tell you that I have had struggles and through those struggles not only grew as a person, but they caused me to grow closer to God in a way I haven’t been able to in the past. They’ve taught me how to trust in Him and His will. 

I know what you’re going through is hard and might seem impossible. But God is there, waiting for you to reach out to Him so He can strengthen you for this battle. We have to stand strong and remember that God has a plan for this, we just need to see it through. 

Discussion:
1. Looking back over previous hardships, do you see God's hand now that you are on the other side?
2. How can you lean on God in this season of hardship?