I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13, NIV)
Not long ago as I stood in the security line at Los Angeles's airport, LAX, I couldn’t help but notice the family in front of me.
The mom obviously had her hands full, traveling with her son who was about 8, as well as an infant daughter in a stroller. Plus, she was lugging around a car seat and two backpacks.
As they waited their turn, I noticed the boy kept fidgeting and trying to go beyond the rope barrier. This mama calmly instructed him to stop several times, never losing her composure.
As she struggled to get the baby out of the stroller in preparation to go through the security scanner, the boy pushed past the rope barrier and into the forbidden area, prompting a security guard to come over and harshly reprimand him.
The mama stepped between her son and the security guard and promised it wouldn’t happen again. It became obvious that this young boy had some special needs.
After the security guard encounter, he covered his ears and dropped to the floor in a small ball. Without hesitation, this mama knelt down and spoke gently but firmly to her son, explaining that he would get in very big trouble with the security guard if he crossed the line again.
Then she hugged and kissed him on the forehead before standing up to once again unstrap her baby from the stroller.
I so wanted to step in and help, and just as I was about to offer my assistance, that mama was motioned forward to go through the security scanner. I think everyone in line breathed a sigh of relief as she made it through security on the very first try.
That amazing mama took care of both of her children, handling the stressful situation with grace, dignity and love. If they had medals for motherhood, she definitely earned one in just those 15 minutes that I observed her.
She exuded love and patience from every pore. It was almost like she had this supernatural peace about her that even a very expressive and agitated security guard couldn’t rattle. I’m not sure if she was a Christian, but based on what I observed, I’d say she would have to be a believer.
Later, as I thought about this amazing mother, I realized that God truly does give us whatever we need to handle any situation we encounter. The Word tells us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength, but do we live like that’s true?
Do we really have a revelation of that verse? Or, do we just say it from memory, never realizing how true and powerful it is?
I challenge you to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” out loud several times today and every day, reminding yourself that you are called and equipped to be a great mother or an understanding caregiver or an amazing nurse or a fearless firefighter.
Whether you have a special needs child or you’re a single mom; whether you’re a caregiver for your elderly parents or a teacher with 28 kindergarteners in your class; you can do this, and you don’t have to go it alone.
God promises to never leave you nor forsake you, so lean on Him. You’ve got this, and He’s got you.
Pray this with me: Father, thank you for calling me and equipping me to fulfill my divine destiny in you. And, help me, Lord, to never forget that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I pray, God, that just by living my life and handling every situation with love and grace that I’ll be a witness to many, giving me the chance to share my faith. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.
