I Can Do It!

I guess there are times that I am a lot like water. I want to follow the path of least resistance.
But, then I am reminded that resistance produces strength. My massive, intimidating, rock-hard muscles are an imaginary testimony to that fact.

God created our bodies in such a way that they become stronger when called upon to push or pull against an opposing force. From the moment a baby lifts it’s head or sits up, it begins a lifelong challenge of dealing with the pull of gravity. The determination to rise above the downward pull helps develop and strengthen muscles needed for present and future action.

Without resistance muscles eventually shrink and even die. NASA must provide resistance equipment for astronauts who spend extended time in the zero gravity environment of the International Space Station.

God allows, and even introduces, resistance in my life, not to discourage or frustrate me, but to strengthen me! If everything was easy, I would be weak and useless.
I have always found encouragement in the verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). I have usually used that verse as grounds to ask and expect Divine strength in a time of challenge. And He has come through many times. But there have been times when God seemed content to just watch me rather than assist me. Perhaps in those times He, like a strength coach, is keeping His promise to strengthen me by supervising rather than removing the resistance.

As I “wait on the Lord”, I hear His encouraging Words. “You can do it”. “Don’t quit.” And as I keep going, I find my strength being renewed! I discover that I can “run” longer “and not be weary” and “walk” faster “and not faint”.

So, I will not resist resistance. Because one of these days … I’m gonna take off and fly!