If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome!
Have you ever felt less than strong?
The other day I ran a mile and walked two more. When I started running I felt strong, but then I hit a hill, then another. My husband was keeping a steady pace ahead of me and I was determined to keep up.
Except I couldn’t.
I can walk for miles at a steady clip, but I haven’t mastered running yet. My husband runs miles and miles, and he has to remind me that he used to feel the same way when he first started.
In today’s devo I shared the story of my son’s wreck and how this usually-strong girl felt anything but.
And how God whispered these words from scripture: When I am weak I am strong. I hope you go back and read that if you haven’t, but I promised to share four things that can help when you feel less than strong.
Feeling less than strong does not mean you are weak
When life hits with full force, it’s okay to remind yourself that you are human. You know what it is to endure, but when it hits so hard that it’s overwhelming, it’s acceptable to know what you are capable of, and what is left over is God’s to carry.
Recently I was talking with someone and they said, “I don’t think there’s anything I can’t do on my own through sheer will power”.
As a cancer survivor, as a momma who knelt beside her son’s bedside after a drunk driver hit him and seriously injured him, I have to say that there are some things that can’t be accomplished through sheer will power. Some things are bigger than us, and that doesn’t make us weak. It means that we know our limitations and we turn to Someone greater.
Don’t isolate
When you feel less than strong, you might pull back. From church. From people. From God.
It’s when you need those things the most.
One word. One prayer. One touch. It might be what carries you through the next moment.
Write it Down
This might sound odd, but writing is cathartic. It allows you to share how you feel. If I look back at my journal I find words of faith, but also honest words of “God, I have no idea how this is going to work out”.
The beautiful thing? Time shows me exactly how it worked out. Perhaps, like my son’s accident, I simply see how God carried a tired, hurting mom through a difficult time. But how amazing is that? In the meantime, keeping a journal gives me a place to talk honestly about what is taking place.
Eat
When you are under attack one of the first things to go is your appetite. It’s no different spiritually.
Spiritual hunger is different than physical. If you are hungry in the natural, you eat and are satisfied. In the spiritual, it’s the exact opposite. The more you eat, the hungrier you get.
Hungrier for God’s presence. Hungrier for direction. Hungrier for intimacy with your Heavenly Father. And therein lies power to take you through the hard times to the other side.
If you don’t feel like “eating”, I get it. It makes perfect sense. But eat anyway. Sit quietly in His presence. Wrap yourself in worship music that soothes your heart. Read a passage. Pick up a great book or devotional that feeds your soul.
And the more you “eat”, the hungrier you’ll get and the more you’ll find what you need to nurture you during this time.
Do you feel less than strong today? I’m reaching through cyberspace to tell you “I know how it feels and I’m sorry”, but also that there are miracles to be found in this hard place as you let the Strong One walk through it with you.
Hey Suzie,
thanks for the encouragement today. God is our strength!! Our difficult times are the door to God’s grace.
Blessings to you,
Tracy
Suzanne, thank you for this devotional. It is inspiring to read about how God carried you through such rough times – it reminds me of the poem entitled “Footprints.”
The world offers different answers to our struggles, telling us to try to re-gain control of all situations. Those of us who have walked with the Lord know that only God is in control, and that He does allow suffering and trials to come to His children.
I am sorry for all the hardships that you’ve experienced. Yet what I perceive from what you’ve written is that your relationship with Jesus and your faith in Him was not damaged, but strengthened. Your devotional reminds us that the suffering we experience need not be in vain, that God is actually encouraging us to draw closer to Him during these times.
A metaphor I like to use is tea leaves and water. If you put tea leaves in cold water, their flavor never comes out. But when the water is heated, the tea leaves are steeped and the flavor and aroma are released. God uses the “heat” of trials in the lives of Hid children for His own purpose. Though not all is revealed yet, we can rest in Him and learn to rely on Him for everything.
Thank you for sharing your story this morning, and God Bless you and your family!
Thanks for reminding me where my strength is. A year and a half ago my husband had s massive stroke. It was a difficult time for me. He still has lasting effects of the stroke but has been able to return to work. Six months ago my 28 year old daughter had a massive stroke related to a heart condition. Sitting in ICU with her after enduring this with my husband was almost more than I could take. Her leg is still healing, but she too is now back at work. Now her husband’s has lost his job and they have no insurance. Yet in all of this I see God working in my family’s life. Thanks for reminding me that I do not always have to be the strong one. I needed to hear that today. Thanks you.
I appreciated your devo so much today! I woke up early at 4am w/ just needing to be in God’s Presence to sort some things out. After being in His Word I flipped on the computer that led to my daily devo through Prov 31 & here it was Him speaking to me yet again. 🙂 Thank you for being willing to give of yourself. You never know how God will use that in the life of others.
jenn-
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement today! I actually found this book a while back and wanted to buy it and do this study with my best friend who’s son has cancer. Because of our tight finances I have been unable to purchase this book but as soon as I can afford it I will!
Tona
Suzanne,
Thank you for pointing out what I so often forget. I lose track of the fact that I do not have to be strong in every situation, every moment of every day. That is His job. Thank you for the reminder that I may feel and look week, but He makes me strong.
Denise
This is the path I am walking. God is teaching me to rely on His strength as I walk an audacious journey of faith. Thank you for the beautiful reminder that God is our strength in our weakness.
I had just finished morning prayers. My prayer this morning was for strength, for God to remove my “thorn”. And then I come to my inbox and look what was there greeting me! A devo on God’s strength! Thank you thank you! What a Savior!
Thank you for your amazing insight on difficult times. It is such a comfort to know he is always there and that we just need to press into him. Thanks for the reminder! God bless!
Thank you for your amazing insight on difficult times. It is such a comfort to know he is always there and that we just need to press into him. Thank you for the reminder!
thank you for the devotional. Funny in a way, but just yesterday, I had the same phrase twice on my mind, and then we talked about it in church too…so now I just have to figure out its personal aplicability to me (my present and possibly future). Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it!
This is strange but very apt as I was having this very same conversation with my husband yesterday about a couple in our church who are serving their different ministries and show only grace and strength even as their little five year old boy is battling cancer.
I told my husband,(which I myself God will never give you more than you can handle, He made you and therefore he will know how much you can take…Everything happens for His Glory and as a testimony to Him…Our task is to take to HIM and rely on his Grace to carry us through…To God be the Glory!!
Thank you for your encouragement today. We have experienced some of the same experiences which helps me appreciated the truth in what you share. In some ways, we coped with the same tools, in other ways we didn’t and needed your “blueprint”. Thank you for giving others direction and reminding us where and when our true strength is found.
Not surprisingly, exactly what I needed to hear today. Can’t fix it, desperately wish I could. Thank you for helping my heart start today from the right place.
I’m in a place now of weakness. I hate that I don’t feel the full, strong faith that I know lies in me.
I need a new season in my life and I do believe it is time. I know to wait on the Lord but confess I am finding if a bit difficult. I think I’m getting somewhat better.
Thanks for your words.
Thank you for allowing God to use you this morning… the words that you wrote were exactly what I needed to hear. I followed the link from Proverbs 31 ministries, hungry to hear more… on Friday I had a “not so nice” message written on my printer at school (I am a middle school teacher). This message has rocked me to my core. It said something that I have never been called… I have always heard how I was their favorite and how they loved me… I have students from high school that still hug me everytime they see me and tell me how much they love and miss me. Surely someone wouldn’t write those words about this person. Well over the weekend I have come to realize that I have become that hateful word that was written there to one particular class. They frustrate me to the point of hatred. And Saturday as God pointed this out I said but God I have tried this and I have tried that and he very quietly Pointed out all of the “I haves” that I had just used and that the teacher who used to pray over every student had not given his class to Him. I have also realized that today I must apologize for the person they have seen over the past few weeks. I have had knots in my stomach all weekend. I got up early this morning to pray for strength as I face today. As I browsed Facebook there you were. So again I say thank you for allowing God to use you.
God’s got this. Not only does He speak to me through His word, He speaks through this ministry. Yesterday, I felt down, depressed about some seemingly endless health issues. I have been a caregiver for 8 years. Hats off to all who do this job. Today from Proverbs 31 Ministries and His mighty Word, God has: 1)reassured me that He’s got this, 2) illuminated my understanding of caregiver….they don’t call it care for nothing, 3) allowed me to let go of all of yesterday’s problems, 4) given me a message of hope and assurance to share with those I counsel and 5)lifted the burdens I have carried for those whose salvation I pray for daily. Thank you for your willingness to share. Your “About Me is one I want to share with a young woman who grew up beside me. The police showed up at that house more times than I want to remember. Mother’s day meant fist fights. I recommend P31 ministries to my friends, my daughters, my Bible study groups. Praising God for this ministry. Romans 12:12 “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.” Standing on the Promises. Thank you
I just signed up for the Proverbs 31 email list and this was my first arrival – couldn’t have come at a better time! This morning, my meaning aid literally broke in my ear and by that I mean I had wires coming out every which way! I am in my early 40’s with two small sons and it’s a Monday: never a good time to have my hearing aid practically pulverize in my hands! 🙁 my hearing impairment brings me to my knees! I don’t know why! When I feel this weak I certainly don’t feel strong and truly want to hibernate from everyone!
I am awake earlier this morning than usual to make my husband his lunch. When he leaves, I pray. I am going through a rough time with myself lately. So I pray for God to keep me strong and help me get through this. I am looking through my inbox and I find the Encouragement for today. Thank you for reminding me that God never leaves our side and keeps us strong during rough times….
Meaning aid = hearing aid! Ha!
Thank you for this “food” this morning. It was just what I needed.
Thank you for the words of encouragement this morning. I am feeling “weak” today because I have a lot on my plate right now but I know that by God’s Grace I can feel strong. I have to remember that my strength does in deed come from him.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. God is so faithful in reminding us and encouraging us to allow Him to do the work in us that needs to be done. I needed that reminder today:) -Lynleigh
Thank you for sharing – people often think that God said that He would never give us more than we can handle. He never said that. If you read I Cor 10:13, God said “he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” Tempted. Then read 2 Cor 1:8 – Paul says they were under pressure far beyond their ability to endure. Christ gave them strength. As he does to us. Thank God!
My son has an illness that has taken 11 inches of his small intestine. He underwent two surgeries, several hospitalizations, medications, etc. He is 19. I have only seen him once during this process (he lives with his dad and step mom). He does not want me around – long story, but not what one may think.
Be blessed when your children allow you to take part in their troubles. It is an honor to be able to minister to them, care for them, love them, and stand by them.
God give me strength- and daily I pray for him. Daily I love him – no matter what. The love of a mother goes deeper than anyone (except another mother!) can understand.
Thank you for your ministry.
e~
Great devo Susie! I believe God is wanting me to understand my weakness is a good thing! I just wrote a post about that on my blog…2 Corinthians 12:9, “His strength is perfect in my weakness!!” Never thought about the words perfect and weakness going together, but in God’s ways they do!! Wow!! Thanks for the reminder again today!!
About 3 years back, during one of my daughter’s temper tantrums, I felt as if I was at my lowest point as a mother. We were driving on a country road with the radio on…..I was letting her cry it out until she was ready to calm down and come out of her fit of rage. A beautiful song played as she continued to scream and cry, and I was crying as well. The song stopped and a voice of a woman came over the radio talking about motherhood….the ups and the downs….the good days and bad days….the emotional toll it can have on you….I nearly stopped the car to pull over because I felt as if this woman was speaking directly to me at that given moment. It was at this time that my daughter stopped crying and let me know that she “was done”. I have been a subscriber to your website ever since! I cannot tell you how much it means to hear from other moms…..going through the same ordeals…..realizing that I am not alone, in more ways than one! I look forward to all of the daily letters and the continual reinforcement and support from all of you. I thank God that he allowed me to “hear” your radio add. And I thank all of you for your support and spirit!
Thank you for sharing this message, it was just what my heart needed to hear. I used to be so diligent about getting into God’s word and journaling I have been going through a tough relationship situation this past month and lost my appetite but told myself last night I needed to get back in habit, your message what beautiful confirmation to me. God Bless!
Wow! God continues to amaze me. Your message was absolutely what I needed this morning. God’s grace is always sufficient. While I’m not used to sharing publicly like this, I am so happy to share that God met me right where I am this morning thanks to your devotional-When I am weak I am strong. This verse and your helpful hints of not isolating myself and writing my prayers will be a blessing for sure.
Needing Him more than ever….
Sandy
Hi good morning. Thanks for you encouragement.I am going through a situation and I feel lost and hurt and so many feelings. I am leaning on God for strenght and I know God is there and I want him to numb my pain. I am trsting God and started to back away from things but I hear youu need to keep pushing forward. I just know God will show himself real no matter the way I feel. I pray that God continues to use you. I look forward to more words of encouragement because I need it
Thank you so much for your devotion today and your message strength in weakness. My husband lost his job 1-1/2 years ago after almost 9 years with a company. He struggled for a while to find a job at all and the one he found doesn’t pay well and takes him on the road for weeks at a time with no idea where he will be next. Through all this, I have spent a lot of time “lonely” but I am never “alone”. God has taught me how to take care of myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am getting healthier and learning how to depend on God and myself. Don’t get me wrong, I miss my husband fiercely but God has replaced my sorrow and despair while he is gone with comfort and confidence. I hope someday the Lord will bring my husband back to working in this area and he will come home to a new wife in body and spirit! I will use your message of “When I am weak, then I am strong” to help me during the dark moments I still have. Thank you.
Thank you for your devotional thoughts today that were so right on.
During every difficult circumstance I have encountered, God has never failed to provide strength in weakness. I can remember caring for my mom with terminal cancer and crying out to God to give me strength when I was exhausted. In an unforgettable way, I felt angels coming along side me to strengthen me, when no one else was available to help. God is truly amazing! God bless you as you share from your heart with others.
Pam
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement today! I just found your blog through the Proverbs Daily Devotion. Now I will be following you on a daily basis. Everyone needs encouragement on a daily basis, especially us mommas! I have been dealing with raising a teenager (19 years old), and it is tough! He is my only precious gift from God, and I pray for strength and guidance every day!
I was just introduced to the devotions of Proverbs 31 Women last week. Something tells me your words this morning were a divine appointment for me. I was checking my email this morning in bed still trying after 51 weeks, 4 days and 12 hrs to shake off and come to terms with the hideous void that has followed our family this past year. Still even 850 miles from home in Florida for spring break, it is still with us. This week we celebrate the 1 year mark of our 12 yr old son Matthew being healed. Not healing on my terms but healed eternally after battling a brain tumor for 17 months. For Matt we celebrate but truthfully for the rest of us, we are still so broken. It has been a long, hard year and I am constantly told ‘you seem so strong!’. I tell people I’m humbled because it is not me but Him. Most the time I feel so weak and like I am failing this trial horribly. I am baffled at how I am still breathing. I am also still coming to terms with not being in control of the his stories outcome, the inescapable grief process and the ever-changing emotions that I seem to have no reign over. The anger, frustration, and sadness at times are still so overwhelming, this journey has rocked me to my core. I still have to put on my daily made-up face as wife, mom, business woman but inside there is a crumbling heart. I appreciate you following Gods leading and for sharing your heart today. It has encouraged me and I plan to mull it over this week as I am determined to let God carry me through. Thank you!
Thank you for this great reminder that it’s ok to be weak and that God is our strength!
Thank you for such a meaningful message! Today, my husband and I are off to yet another counseling session. It’s been almost two years since I discovered his addictions. We’re still dealing with loads of debt, my high walls, and his unrepentant heart. I often feel very confused and weak, but God has placed various people and ministries into my life to point me to Him! Thanks, again, for the uplifting words today.
Thank you for being real and honest about your struggle with being strong. My firstborn has dealt with anxiety and depression since middle school. Last year on good Friday we had to admitt her to a treatment center for attempting to take her own life. It was her senior in high school, a time many are full of excitement and anticipation. She was full of doubt and fear. She got help but things got bad again the 4th of July weekend when she made another more serious attempt. She was finally diagnosed bi-polar. Trying to get her meds right and get her to a good place has been very difficult. What you have said is so true. When I was at my weakest and didn’t think I could handle one more setback God was there lifting me up and lovingly holding me in his arms giving me what I needed to be strong. When people shake their heads in disbelief at how I have made it through this past year without loosing my mind I tell them it was in HIS strength that I could put one foot in front of the other. I would love a copy of the book to give to my precious daughter who struggles so much to see herself as God sees her. Thank you for your encouraging writings and your ministry to so many women who need to hear from God through you! Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks Suzie for the reminder! In November, 2010, my sister-in-law passed away after 15 months with lung cancer. I was her primary caretaker and I can relate to how difficult of a time that can be. I struggled a lot with being strong and allowing God’s grace to sustain me. Just last year, my husband was diagnosed also with lung cancer. The surgery in December took 1/4 of his lung and 2 lymph nodes. But this time the ordeal was quite different… I gave it all back to God and let His grace sustain me knowing Larry would be taken care of no matter what was to be. This time I was much more at peace during the whole ordeal. At this time, Larry is cancer free having had no additional radiation or chemo treatments. God is GOOD all the time… all the time God is good!!
Don’t you know that I took notes on all your tips and scriptures! I love that we don’t have to look far for the right kind of encouragement to help carry us through. Thank you!
Hi,
As I read this devotion this morning, I realized that it came right on time. I thought about myself and a couple of my close friends and family who are going through some trying times right now and realized that whe have really been feeding our Spiritual hunger to get through this, so I thank you.
Wow! Reading through some of the comments above and see how God uses your written word. I also was encouraged to remember how to know that God desires to work in my weaknesses. I am reminded not to hate those weaknessses but to surrender them and rejoice that He will use them for His glory.
Thanks Suzanne!!!
Thanks so much for this. Its amazing how sometimes you will read a passage or devotional and it matches up with your life at that exact moment. Going thru a lot right now and how wonderful to know I am not alone.
Thank You for your words of encouragement. I have been going through hard times and your message helped.
I am happy for this reminder. The other day I just reminded myself that God is strong in my weakness. ALso that this too shall pass. THanks for your continuous encouragement!
Hi Suzanne,
You message today couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Everything you have shared today is where I’m at in my life over some trials my family and I are facing. Thank you for the encouraging words of wisdom that have refreshed my heart today! I thank the Lord for how He used your faithful servant heart to touch those places of my Heart that needed His touch!
Bless You!
In His Love
Denise >
Good morning!
Its been one of those days… well, its been one of those weeks. It is just a time when I need encouragement. I am tired; I am weak; and I need someone else to be strong. Thankfully, God led me this way. I appreciate your words of wisdom. You are right – I need to eat… not food (I seem to have no problem with that when I am upset… LOL), I need to eat of God’s word. Only God can satisfy me. And, I appreciate you bringing that back into perspective. Thanks for your words of encouragement. I look forward to reading your entries in the future!
Thanks! – Dana :0)
Thank you so much for these encouraging words!
Thank you so very much for sharing this! I soooooo needed to read this TODAY! Your words of encouragement hit my heart in exactly the right spot! When I am weak, I am strong! Powerful!
Blessings,
Lisa
Suanne,
This is the first time I have been on your web-site. I know God led me to it! When God speaks a word in season He often confirms it through other messenger’s…today YOU were the other one:>)
He used you to remind me that when I am weak He is strong. Life really isn’t about me it’s about Him. When things are beyond me I need to remind myself that God is “Almighty” and that He is good and He is great! As I read through my journals I am reminded that God was always there at my darkest hour and my faith & confidence grows, knowing that He will be my stength today as He was in my yesterday’s. He is the great I am! Thank you for being God’s voice to many today!
Thank you so much for your encouraging and inspiring words. They have really touched my heart this morning. God bless.
I have been sitting in a hospital since February 23 when my 20 year old daughter was hit by an impaired (marijuana) driver while walking on a side walk going to a college basketball game. We actually get to go home this Friday, Good Friday.
She has a traumatic brain injury and has been courageously determined to get better. She has a long road ahead with outpatient rehab, and a lifetime of possible deficits.
But I still have her.
God has given me all the strength to get through this. I could not explain any other way I could still have the energy every day to keep going, to keep smiling, to keep encouraging. I am weak, especially where my kids are concerned. Always worried I wasn’t able to protect them enough. Well, I am never going to protect them the way God can. I know this supernatural strength is exactly 2 Corinthians 12:10, “That is why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak then I am strong.”
I have also kept close to heart Philippians 4:13, ” I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
I have been strengthened through Christ, and He has blessed me with all my wonderful friends who have cared for my husband and son with meals and many other things while I have been away. We have been held up in prayer continually, and honestly, I have never felt stronger as on this journey of trust in God.
Thank you for sharing this! I’m part of a book study currently working through your book “The Mom I Want to Be” and it’s actually been a very difficult process for me to work through, since nothing has changed about my mom or her relationship with us. Your message today was a good reminder about how I can’t do this on my own, yet I keep trying to! Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder!!
My heartfelt thanks for sharing your story. What a difficult time you have had to go through, but yet you remind us that even in the midst of trial (like the crisis you experienced) we are to keep our eyes focused on Him, recognizing that He not only walks with us but carries us through them. I appreciated your prayer and Scripture verses today. May God continue to be your strength.
I’m so glad that I read your words of encouragement this morning! I needed to hear that. I am recovering from living in crisis management mode, as my youngest son battled mental illness, substance abuse, trouble with the law, jail time (twice), stable time, hospitalizations (twice), and is now in the state prison system. I am leaning on the Lord as I find that I need Him to carry me just as often now as I did during those crisis times. It is so hard to redefine MY life without the daily need to care for and protect my son, wondering what was going to happen next. I am thankful that my son is where he is, and that he is stable, sober, and supervised. I know very well that I cannot do this alone, and I am thankful always that Jesus is with me. Thank you so much for your message!
THANK YOU! Your message really hit home with me… I am currently reading Renee’s “Confident Heart” and would LOVE to give a copy to my sisters, my daughter, everyone!!!
This was very much needed today. I have been feeling constantly alone and pathetic, but then I get frustrated at myself because I don’t feel I have a right to feel that way, when there are so many other people who are going through much tougher times. I feel like I’m in a season of change and it’s hard not knowing how it’s all going to turn out. It’s good to be reminded that God is strong, when we are weak. I can let go and lean on him. Thank you for the reminder and the words of encouragement.
Hi Suzanne,
Reading your story brought back memories of when my son was hit by a car while riding his bike. His handle bar punctured his chest and his ankle was broken in three places. While my husband and I were at work at the time of the accident the ambulance took him to the hospital they called and told us they couldn’t start surgery until we got there because he was not of age and to hurry because his will bleed to death. I can remember those feelings of weekness and looking back I was made strong through Christ I just didn’t realize it. Nine years later and many trials I have endured I am back at that place of feeling weak again. Your story reminded me I need to get back into the word more and keep a journal. I want to feel that spiritual hunger again, it was lost over the years and because of all we have gone through left my family to turn bitter rather then better which makes for an exhausted mother who is trying to grow in the word.
I’m glad I opened this email thank you and God Bless!
Hi Suzie,
Thank you for all the devotionals you have sent to me. I share them with my family and friends and sisters in Christ as well as a few brothers in Christ. I write because my daughter is consistently in a dangerous range of emotion. It has and is affecting her physical and spiritual health. We are and have been going through many storms since May of 2010. Our God is working tremendously in our lives and it took a while to see that. We have and are going through the downfall of my grandson’s life. Started when he was 16 and he is 18 now. He is still a senior in high school only by the grace of God. God has given to him a few very caring, concerned Christian people to continue to try to reach him. He started with drugs at 16, got married at 16, was raped and drugged at 16, got divorced at 16, and blamed God and his family, and turned away from God and us ever since. Has been arrested as a juvenile many times, and now sits in jail as an adult still in school. He rejects his mother and I because we love him so much and he doesn’t believe it. He doesn’t think anyone can truly love someone who has done the things he has. The more we try to reassure him of our and God’s love, the more he rejects us. We have stepped back for now since he wants no contact with us but thankfully we can still pray and God allows us to see what a wonderful intervention he is providing for my grandson. What may look like horrible circumstances, God is using for His glory and purposes. I am working with my daughter through specific Bible studies with her and thankfully she has now repented and turned back to following and obeying the Lord. She sees that the more she steps back the more her husband (not grandson’s father) can step up to fulfill his God-given place in the home. My grandson will still contact his step-dad if necessary. We do no enable him (anymore) and as my daughter is very weak emotionally right now, our studies center on self-control, strength through Christ, where the Lord is in our trials and storms, stress reduction, obeying God, God’s promises and whatever else God leads me to study with her. I just you so much for your ministry and how it has enabled me to reach out to others. I apologize for the length of this, but I hope that you will read it and pray over it. Thank you, dear lady.
Yours in Christ Jesus
Carol
Thank you for your amazing insight on difficult times. It is such a comfort to know he is always therewith me even when it is hard to see Him.That we just need to keep seeking Him and we will find our true strength in Him! Since He is the source of stength and Love! This post is such a blessing since it is full of encouragement!
I just returned from taking care of my 52 year old brother for six weeks in the hospital with an illness that almost took his life. When I returned home, I found out my business partner of 8 years started two other businesses and wants control of my business shares too. I’m a single parent and my child decided not to do his schoolwork while I was away causing him to fall off the school honor roll. I came home feeling like I failed in every aspect and my world is falling apart. Your scripture reflection gave me renewed hope. I want so much to make the Lord proud of me. I want to lead by example and I ask that the Lord will equip me to understand in the midst of confusion.
Thank you so much for all your encouraging words. These last 3 years have been a battle for my family after feeling betrayed by the church that we attended we finally have moved on and let go and might I say what a rough road it was. The church we are now in is filled with so much more and I now see what it was that God was doing during that time He was in control of everything, yesterday morning during service my husband laid all the hatred and bitterness down on the altar as well as me. Earlier in the week God spoke to my heart and told me to forgive him for the past. It was after reading your encouragment of the day where in phillipians it tells us let the old go and we are a new creation so I called him and told him I forgave him and the past would not be brought up again. I didnt get the response that I felt I needed at the time but it was all done in Gods timing to get my husbands heart ready for sunday and also he was humbling me, how could I not forgive him and expect Jesus to forgive my sins. What an awsome and amazing God we serve. Thank you so much for your encouragment everyday it has been a blessing to recieve, and I just want to say stay strong in the Lord. Sometimes we dont understand what it is he is doing or that he is even there but I can say He is always with us! we just need to be quiet and listen we are NEVER ALONE!
Deanna, the one thing that I believe most is that my life is rich. We all encounter really hard things. That comes with living life. But the one thing I know is that God is with me in the good and hard times. Thank you so much for your comment. Loved it!
For Bev and Lorraine, Father, my sisters are in a hard place. Lord, this is the place where you often reveal yourself inside of us. Wrap these beautiful daughters in your strength. Be their comfort, their joy, their life sustaining force as they wake up and their peace as they rest spiritually and physically. Father, bring others around them with words of encouragement and tangible acts of kindness. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Hi Fiona, first, what a beautiful name! Second, I hear your heart in your comment. I pray that God’s grace is not only sufficient for you, but overwhelming as you sense His presence in a new way. We don’t earn God’s love, we simply receive it. Receive it today, sis, okay? Take it and run with it. Hold it close. You are His and you are loved.
Hi Suzie. Thank you for sharing your personal struggles. I’ve been struggling with the aftermath of a divorce. It (the emotional rollercoaster) has taken a toll on my mental health. God has been teaching me to FULLY trust Him in all I do. He is always there even though I may not sense Him. Your comments were VERY encouraging! Thank you!
Thank you! God works mysteriously … My friend, Bonnie was shot/killed by her husband in front of her 2 yr old son/she was PREGNANT…Then a student, Tawanna/her mom both killed in car wreck and last night a young lady, 28,was shot/killed by her daddy who then killed himself in a stand off w/police? And I found YOIU all–Proverbs 31.. Coincident ? NO. I also have a FB prayer/support group, Women of Proverbs, with pur mission being–BEING THE LADY IN PROVERBS 31… So, I TRULY NEEDED this today and I will continue to recv ur daily devotions and I see MUCH I want in the store…GOD bringsnpeace/comfort in HIS way/timing AND this made today MUCH better, GOD Bless You!
Thank you so much for your encouragement! Most of the time I struggle with this and know many of my friends do too. I have shared about the free ebook and think it would be wonderful to win a few copies of the paperback I could share with our bible study ladies. Have a blessed week!
Thank you for posting this devotion today. I have been very weak dealing with issues my daughter is going through; but God has made me strong enough to be able to deal. Still a long way to go; but I have learned it is ok to “let go and let God”. He can be your anchor. Will also continue to pray for you and for your son.
May God bless!
Praying for many of you today. I’m also sending private emails to many of you. I’m reading all of these and thanking God that we are strong when we are weak because of Him.
I really needed this today…it has been a hard day. But God has used this devotional to bring peace to my heart. Thank you so much.
Thank you very much for the encouragement today. I have been going through so many medical issues with my husband. I am also dealing with some issues with my daughter. It has been very stressful. I love them both with my heart and soul. I know that God has been with me because I would not have been able to do it alone;HE is worderful! May God bess you:)
Dear Suzanne,
Thank you for your wise and timely message! I can see the Wisdom that has sprung due to your hardships.
Thankyou for sharing today. It was just what I needed to hear(read). God’s timing is perfect. I have pulled away from church and God, not because I want to but just simply I am so tired. It feels like a mountain. We have encountered so many trials, one after another and some while others are still going on. I feel like there is nothing left but a shell. I don’t even know how I am able to barely take care of my family. Sorry to start my own soapbox. Thankyou for your message and encouragement. It has truly helped and I will be using this daily.
Hi,
I’m thankful to have stumbled on to your blog. We moved to a foreign country 8 months ago and I have been really challenged and it’s been a struggle at times.
Laurie
Hi Suzanne, I don’t know what to say, except I am very thankful to God for your devo today! I have been a christian pretty much all of my life, but there are some days I just feel so beat down with daily living. I needed to hear God speak through you today. I know when I am weak He is my strenght! Some days you just need it reiterated back to you. I love you ladies and pray God bless you all!
Love and prayers, Jenny
Thank you for your encouraging words. God makes the hard easier when I rely on Him and let Him carry my burdens. It’s a reminder I need because I often want to pick up those burdens myself and haul them around with me. When we are weak God shines so brightly through us, and our testimony, our story, is richer and more about Him.
Thank you for admitting the weakness you felt – it’s sometimes hard to be transparent and authentic when the pain is great.
Thanks so much for sharing this encouragement! It’s easy to feel like I have to take care of everything, and I have to remember that God is in control, and He is taking care of me. 🙂
Thank you for reminding me that I don’t always have to be strong. I was reminded recently that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle….but often we forget that He means with HIS help…not in our own strength. Daily I ask Him to walk hand in hand with me on the journey He has for me.
Thank you for this message of encouragement! I can never be encouraged too much or too often to rely MORE on God! May God strengthen me and BE MY STRENGTH as I go through the life He has for me to live!
thank you for your encouragement and that we don’t always have to seem to have it altogether or be strong and that With God’s help we wwill get through things
Thank you for your encouraging words! They hit home, they honestly came at a time where I am going through so many trials & things that are beyond myself. Things that only God himself can take care of & handle.
God bless you & all!
Thank you for sharing and caring! I am so glad that we have God to help us through the tough times. God bless your ministry!
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you so much for sharing from your heart today. I appreciate your openness regarding your season of trial with your son. Your message is timely.
Indeed, His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we acknowledge our weakness and humble ourselves we put ourselves in a position to receive His strength.
God bless you in your ministry,
Blessings, Hester Christensen
Thank you for your continuous reminders of how God’s Word is always there for us. Philippians 4:13 has been my most favorite verse for so many years. Your reminder today brought it to me in simple terms….”when I am weak, then I am strong.” I plan to impress this on my heart and mind in the days ahead when I begin to feel so weak. His Word is so precious and is “all” the instruction we need if we will but just search for answers within! May God continue to bless your ministry as you minister to so many others!
Hi! Thank you for sharing this word with us. It’s definitely something that I needed to hear at this moment on today.
Your encouraging words offered light in the dark. Thank you and Thank you for the Kindle copy of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I often feel lonely and depressed. I am a woman of faith, and I know that I have no reason to feel this way, yet I feel unable to control these feelings and emotions. That makes me feel weak. Thank you for the reminder that God is my strength! May God bless you in a special way for sharing your testimonies to encourage others!
Thank you for the scripture. It came couple of hours after crying out to God for help. I felt so drained, weary and felt like God had forsaken me. Now I know He is telling me that when I am weak, I am strong. I so needed that word because lately I have been feeling weak spiritually and physically. Thanks also for the 4 tips.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words today. It is just what my heart needed.
Thank you so much for your devotion today, it always amazes me how God sends us the right message at the right time! This was what I needed to hear today, especially the part about “eating”! I feel blessed to have found P31, you are all amazing women who inspire me every day!
It always amazes me when God gives me a message so loud and clear. (Although I know it shouldn’t!) We are going through a long crisis with our son, also. He is currently at a residential facility for teen boys and we only see him once a month. I always feel so helpless after our visits. Your devotion at Encouragement For Today, spoke right at me and I am so glad I visited your blog to read the rest. Thank you for your encouraging words. God Bless.
Thank you for your encouragement. I have a special needs daughter whose needs are overwhelming and she has no appreciation for my sacrifices. It’s exhausting and beyond my abilities. But I’m learning that by leaning on the Lord we make it through the day. It’s encouraging to know someone understands!
Your words are so encouraging! Your book is on my list to read.
I am entering the 4th week of caring for my post-surgery son a state away from home and the rest of our family. The proverbs 31 email and then this post could not have come at a better time. Thank you for being one who has gone before me and shines the light for my next step.
I got the ebook & can’t wait to read it, but would love a paper copy to hand on to a friend. Thank you for the post today as well. I always need the reminder that He is my strength & I don’t have to do it all & be it all on my own.
Dear Suzanne.
I thank God for your life and thank you (and your team) for being an inspiration to me. I just want to say that my soul is getting hungry for the word of God there are days that I read a whole chapter of the Bible and dont get to much but when I read your (team) posts I realized that even one verse of the Bible is enough if I deeply meditate on it. Thank yoy again for doing this website so rich and Thank God for using your lives to be an inspiration to many. May God bless continously your ministry. (sorry for my grammar mistakes, I came from Mexico 6 years ago, through my church and by faith, so I am learning English everyday)
Beautiful post my friend. Such a powerful thing… admitting our weaknesses to one another. Somehow God gives us who admit and those who hear our admission power through the reality that we’re not alone and we don’t have to be the strong one all the time. Your words minister such deep grace and truth to my soul. Love you Suzie!
Thank you for the encouragement. Sometimes we make things harder than they need to be, when all we really need to do is rest in Him.
Blessings.
Thank you so much for your words….just what I needed this week. I am so sad and overwhelmed with my life and I am doubting myself and my abilities. I feel so unlovable at home and insecure at work. I need the Lord to walk with me and lift me up. It made me feel better to be reminded that i am not alone, that he will carry me when I am weak.
My best friend has had multiple life changing surgeries along with complications from each. She loves Jesus more than most people I know, but she is struggling daily with the “why’s” and God’s purpose for her. I hope that you will select her for your book giveaway! (if not, I will probably buy it!) I’m going to direct her to this blog so she can receive these words of wisdom!
Suzie, Thank you so mucn for sharing your story and reminding us that God is there to be strong. I too, know that He will carry us if we let Him. It’s the letting Him that I need reminders on even to this day. I forget and don’t “eat” because of a lack of not knowing where to begin at times of stress and then tend to “isolate”, thinking I can do it on my own. Well, I can’t. I definately know I can’t. God has carried us through financial stress, losing our home, my father passing away and blessing us with a daughter all within a two year time period. Then I wasted the next two years full of anxiety, depression and basically letting the devil bombard me and try to destroy my happiness and that of my family. Finally, when I had had enough and the hopelessness was so overwhelming, I stopped trying to help myself and control my emotions by trying to lock it all away…and let God heal me. I laid down my burden in my weakness and He gave me His strenght. He had already been giving me His grace, but He filled me with so much peace and so much joy INSTANTLY when I gave Him the burden. And I do mean instantly. My depression was lifted off of my shoulders. The relief was immense, and my anxiety dwindled to minimal and now it is almost completely gone and very manageable through prayer, and my heart was full of overflowing love. His love. I cherish Phil 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Thank you! I just recently came upon Proverbs 31 Ministry & I am so glad! I love devotionals – especially hearing from women & mothers…it helps to know you are not alone.
I am a very nervous (with people and social settings) and worrisome person at times…I am learning to trust God and take risks that may lead me closer to Him and to others who know Him.
This year has been rough for us so far, but I know that when I am weak, I am strong!!
I need this so much right now. Dealing with a troubled past, anxiety, depression, and now a near death in the family and deciding to get help for those issues was like ripping open an old wound. I feel weaker now then when I was denying. But it’s more real and God has proven it hasn’t killed me yet. Thanks for the devo. I forwarded it to a friend who’s going through a hard time too!