“You have given me your shield of victory.  Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.” Psalm 18:35

Stress Quotient

I’ve always thought that each of us has an inner “stress quotient”—the ability built in us by God that allows us to withstand pressure and stress. I’ve had times when I’ve asked the Lord to increase that ability within me, and He has! I feel I’m in a season right now where that ability has been depleted by all that we’ve walked through—particularly as I’ve battled cancer this year. I’m rebuilding from the bottom to get my stress quotient up and running. I don’t seem to have enough quite yet to face the stresses coming my way.

I know I can’t make it through all these things on my own. In fact, if I try to do that I think it disappoints the Lord—maybe even grieves Him. He’s created us to need Him, to work with Him. And I know very clearly that I need Him!

I find myself talking to the Lord continually through the day, over big things and the smallest of things. I’m aware that I need Him for every detail. He comes with His grace, His strength, and His wisdom to carry me through the day.

I’m equally aware that His unfailing love completely surrounds me. He upholds me. He fights the enemy for me. He carries me. His right hand loves, protects, guides, and sustains me. Sometimes I feel like He’s holding me in His arms, and carrying me close to His loving heart.

The season seems to be changing in various ways, but I know God is faithful in every season! I’m sure He has new lessons for me to learn in this season as He carries me through it. I don’t think we ever get to a place where we’ve learned a lesson completely, and it’s over. I think God circles back around, and takes lessons deeper and deeper into our heart. I have a feeling that’s what’s happening to me right now. I’ve faced these lessons before, but God is applying them in a new and deeper way in my walk with Him. How faithful He is!

“He will not allow your foot to slip. He who keeps you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3).

“He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (Isaiah 40:11).

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).

God has been faithful to meet me each day. But I wanted to share with you what I’m walking through so that you can pray specifically for me. I feel the need of your prayers. Your prayers have helped carry me on this journey, and I need you to keep walking with me. Thank you for journeying with me!

 “Father, we lift our sister’s name before You. Give her Your grace, Your sustaining love, Your peace and rest. Be everything to her during this journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”