I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
step 1: read the devotional
step 2: listen to the worship playlist while you paint your nails
step 3: let your nails be a reminder
whew. what a verse. "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." did you know the guy who wrote this verse, wrote it while in prison? this verse is less about whether or not we will accomplish our personal goals. this verse is an encouragement that on easy or challenging days God will strengthen us.
on a busy day, He will strengthen us to be kind and patient to everyone.
on a challenging day, He will strengthen us to find our peace in Him.
on a hard day, He will strengthen us to praise Him and thank Him for the blessings we do have.
I will never forget the time God showed me He was my strength. I was 18 on a mission trip. we were 14 people traveling the US in a van for 21 days and we were on day 17. it was 6:30am and I was tired. we went to a coffee shop and I was at the very back of the line to order. frankly, I was in a bad, self-protection mode. when two ladies came in, I told Jesus 'God, I am tired, weak and I don't have anything to say. so I am not going to talk to them.' I felt Him respond in my heart 'Just open your mouth and I will give you the words.' in less than 2 minutes, at the back of the coffee line, Jesus opened up a powerful, vulnerable conversation with these women and they began weeping. I was able to pray for them and they ended up paying for our entire team's coffee order. my favorite point of this testimony is how God used me at one of my weakest points, with the worst attitude I could have. I felt I had nothing to give. and He miraculously gave and blessed us in a way that was generous, extravagant, meaningful and memorable. Jesus reminded me, it was my willingness not my strength. and that if I went where He called, He would faithfully strengthen me.
as you prepare to paint your nails, read through these verses and let it remind you that He will strengthen you.
John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world".
Isaiah 41:10 - "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 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you".
Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble"
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"