Philippians 4:11-13

Last night, I wrote on the chalk board in my kitchen, "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ Who strengthens me". Then I went out back to my friend's patio to use her wireless (internet is one of the many things gone from our budget. $300/month from the "babies daddy" doesn't go very far especially once groceries and gas take up their chunk. He does make the van payment and the car insurance which I am thankful for. And we do live in very nice Post housing. Thank God.)

So anyway, after I write that verse down, I go out back and get online. I see that there's a Myspace message from my dear friend, Superman (not his real name of course, he's just that kind of guy :-)) and it is THAT verse! He was still online and had just sent it. Whoa, Nellie! Stop the presses. God is so good like that. Then when I read the whole thing, I really started crying because it was so PERFECT for how I've been feeling the last couple of days (ok, months, but who's counting. lol). Just the other day, after discovering that both phones had been turned off (cell and home) to add to the growing list of cut backs, I just broke down. I called "babies daddy" and cried and cried, saying, "I'm not Wonder Woman. I'm not as strong as everyone thinks I am. I can't do this anymore. I just can't take it. My poor kids......" He was surprisingly compassionate and listened and tried encouraging me. I was appreciative that he was sensitive to me at that moment (instead of his usual defensive hostility that cuts me down for needing anything). You know, considering, he's the reason....... well, anyway, trying to focus on positives here. :-)

When I read the whole email from my buddy, Superman, I was amazed at God's love towards me (and very thankful for the friends that are so in tune with me and willing to be used by God to bless me). Here is the whole thing:

Daily Bible Verse:
I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Philippians 4:11-13 MSG

Purpose Driven Life: Resist Discouragement
by Rick Warren

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)

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If you’re discouraged because of God’s delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is NOT a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come yet that doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer, or that he’s
forgotten you, or that he doesn’t care about you. It simply means not yet! Spiritual maturity is knowing the difference between No and Not yet, between a denial and a delay. The Bible tells us, “He who is coming will come and will not
delay” (Hebrews 10:37 NIV). The delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can be patient once. And, anybody can be patient twice. And, just about anybody can be patient three times. So God tests you patience over and over and over.
Why? To see how patient you are? No, he does it to show you how patient you are. So you’ll know what’s inside of you, and you’ll be able to know your level of commitment. God tests you so that you can know he is faithful, even if the
answers you seek are delayed.

If you’re discouraged, turn it around by remembering God teaches you patience during delay. Ask him to transform your discouragement into patience. You may be going through difficult times right now and feel like dropping off the
planet. You’re discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair.
It may seem unbearable and inside you’re basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!” But you can. You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He’ll enable you to press on. Remember, you are never a failure until you quit.

Don’t quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before you.

My thoughts (Superman):
This is true. Finish the race and if you get off course, get back on it and continue. Have a great day in the Lord.