It is God Who Arms Me With Strength

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.  2 Samuel 22:33

“The strongest actions for a woman is to love herself, be herself and shine amongst those who never believed she could.” 

Author Unknown

I recently came across this quote and thought how many women feel that this is a testimony to their own lives?  First, we don’t always think about loving ourselves.  We’re good about loving others, our family, our children, our friends, but trying to love ourselves, that’s not easy.  Finding the strength to love ourselves, takes time and patience.  We look in the mirror and constantly see those flaws and imperfections that really no one else sees.

There are so many times that a friend or colleague will offer a compliment about something that I was dwelling on, something that I thought didn’t look like I wanted it to, and yet others found it to be a lovely thing.  Isn’t that the way things go, we are blinded by our own imperfections and yet in the eyes of others, they seem to clearly see a beautiful creation.

Who do you see?  How can you be yourself in a world that wants you to put on so many different faces?  Are you the social media queen, the praiseworthy mother, the creative friend, or the inspirational motivator for the day, the possibilities are endless.  Some days I just want to be the person that I think I am, instead of the person that people want or expect me to be and yet, perhaps I really am the person that everyone sees, I just need to open my eyes to who that person really is.  

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 

I want to share a short story with you.  Many years ago I was asked to be the director for our vacation Bible school at church.  It was a week-long event of coordinating, preparing, and directing over 110 young children coming to our church to attend our summer vacation Bible school.  I was involved in various positions within our church and enjoyed working with our youth and helping them to grow in the faith walk with Jesus.  So it seemed that I would be a perfect fit for leadership in this position.    

It took several months of preparations, and long nights of coordinating each day’s events and activities.  In addition, I was in charge of staffing the week long vacation Bible school with a number of volunteers and youth helpers to make the week a success.  

Anyone who has ever volunteered, assisted, or directed vacation Bible school can truly appreciate the amount of time, energy and efforts it takes to pull off a successful week of daily Biblical lessons for a number of squirrely youth.  Somehow though, through the grace of God, we all make it through and the smiles on the faces of the young children singing their favorite songs they learned, sharing their craft creations with their families and making new friends made it all worthwhile.  

After a very long week of trying to keep everyone on task and keeping things running smoothly, but most importantly trying to share the love of Jesus with the youth of the church, I began to wonder did I make a difference?  Was I able to shine amongst those who never believed I could?

The answer came several weeks later when I received a letter from a volunteer that I worked with all week at our vacation Bible school.  She simply wrote, “nice job, I didn’t think you had it in you.”  With that comment, I decided it was actually a compliment, perhaps she didn’t think I could but I did.  

Actually it really wasn’t me that led one of the largest vacation Bible school programs that our church had ever seen, it was by the grace of God.  He was my rock, my refuge and my strength.  

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect

There are times in our lives when we don’t always know how we are able to do the things that we do.  And there will be those among us that don’t think we have it in us to be successful.  Those people may doubt our abilities, but isn’t it wonderful to know that our God knows that we can do all things because he gives us the strength to do so.  We don’t have to worry about what others think, God is our strength and that is all that really matters.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me 

Philippians 4:13

I pray that you listen to that inner voice that says, “I can do all things, because Christ is my strength.

For more inspirational resources go to the resources page.

Seeking Perfection

“I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.”

― Michael J. Fox

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 

2 Samuel 22:31

Perfection, it’s a term that is used when everything turns out the way it was planned and sometimes even better than planned.  Do you ever find yourself using the word, “perfect?”    “Oh, that looks perfect together,” is a response you might receive when you’ve put together a special outfit to wear.  Another response might be, “This has been the most perfect date,” after you’ve waited for weeks to have that special first date.  The word perfect is defined as having all the required or desirable elements, absolute or complete, lacking in nothing.  Perfection is completely free from faults or defects.  In the quote above by Michael J. Fox, he is able to distinguish between excellence and perfection.  He knows that excellence is an achievable goal. Seeking perfection is a Godly goal. Perfection is the cornerstone of God’s love.

God knows that we are not perfect, that is why he sent his only son to be “perfect” for us.  He is pure perfection. 

Can a mortal be more righteous than God?  Can even a strong man be more pure than his Maker? 

Job 4:17 

It is wisdom that helps us understand that we are not perfect yet we strive to improve ourselves and make it our goal to reach Godly perfection.   To reach a level of Godly behaviors and characteristics is our daily struggle.  

…the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 

James 3: 17

How can we reach a level of Christian excellence?  First, we must read the word of God.  The words of the Lord are forever pure and trustworthy. We turn to the word of God for guidance, support, strength, encouragement, and inspiration.  Do you have a favorite Bible verse that brings you comfort or strength when you need to be inspired?  Here are a few of my favorite verses that bring me comfort:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.” 

Proverbs 3:5-6

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”  

Proverbs 17:22

“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 

Isaiah 40:31

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Zephaniah 3:20

“Rejoice in the Lord always…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.” 

Philippians 4: 4-7

It’s amazing to know that God’s words are full of grace and mercy.  His words teach, encourage, inspire, guide and influence our daily lives.  They show no trace of partiality or hypocrisy.  Their purpose is to uplift us with strength and to hold us accountable for our actions.  

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

When you find yourself in the midst of negative comments, destructive behaviors, or ruthless acts of deceit isn’t it comforting  to know that God is our shield and protection.  His truth will prevail and he will guard you with his mighty shield.  Never doubt that his word is pure and flawless. His words will stand the test of time, we all face the same joys, sorrows, struggles and doubts no matter the century.  The words of the Bible, written so long ago, continue to breathe life into our souls.  We can confidently claim the truths that provide the foundation for our daily living.  

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

If you are interested in more Bible verses about perfection then visit this blog post.

May the peace of Christ be with you as you navigate your path to excellence and glory in God’s perfection.

For more inspiring verses, daily devotions and reminders of God’s love for you go to the resource page.