The Challenge

I have the strength toface all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. (Philippians 4:13, GoodNews Translation)

I shared the same verse last Sunday, but today, Ithought I’d explain why it popped up on my radar last week.

We were on vacation in the Dakotas for several days (Inever post when I am gone coz it feels like announcing to the world, “Come robme; I’m not home"). On our second day on the road, we drove through the southernloop of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There were many places to pull overto take in the scenic views and even a few trails going off into thewilderness.

At one such pull-off, a short trail led up to a bluff.Sixteen months ago, I would have charged up it without giving it a thought. Butfor the last nearly year and a half, I have walked gingerly wherever I went andeven resorted to using a cane when I was not sure of myself.

It really wasn’t that much of a slope, and the trailwasn’t even that narrow. But I still hesitated.

“Is this a smart move for me to take? There’s nothingto grab onto if I lose my balance or get a sharp pain in my back. I wouldn’thave the strength to help myself. I’m all alone out here.”

But there was the voice in my head—the other voice,the one that only encourages me: “Jesus will walk beside you up that hill andgive you the strength and confidence you need.”

When I got back to the car, feeling triumphant, Iasked Hubby if he wondered what had happened to me. I didn’t think he could seeme, but he assured me he had watched my every move.

Just like Jesus watched my every move, too.