Something you need to know about me is that I hate working out. I seriously doubt there is anyone else who hates it more than me.
A few years ago, Jeff and I attended an "open gym" that was hosted by one of our dearest friends. He is a trainer and worked for an organization that helps to rehabilitate amputees. And as much as I was excited to see the facility and cheer him on in this endeavor, I was also intimidated at working out in front of anybody. I hadn't lifted weights in months, okay years, and I definitely hadn't been exercising on a regular basis.
Needless to say, when we walked in and saw all the circuits I about had a heart attack. I thought to myself, "gosh, everyone here is legit and I'm just this little five foot nothing mom whose arms are basically jello." I tried to get out of it, offering to help with anything other than doing the work out. But alas, the music started and I was in it to win it now.
As we traveled from circuit to circuit, I found myself standing in such awe, watching the adaptive athletes. It kind of took me by surprise while simultaneously slapping in the face with, "If they can do it, you can do it."
But then we came upon The Wall.
There was NO WAY I was getting over this wall, okay? And since we were being timed, counting how many we were able to finish as a team, I had someone else push me over instead of having to wait on me. I needed a leg up every single time which I was totally fine with, because y'all, I am short. This is not a new thing.
But after the workout was over and we were out of breath, Jeff leaned over to me and said, "Becky, you can climb that wall." I looked at him like he was crazy. The workout is over, dude, I'm not lifting another finger. But he pushed me again, "You're going to be thinking about it all night. Go do it. No one is watching."
Insert the biggest sigh and groan ever.
I went over to the wall, an wouldn't you believe that when I wasn't worried about other people looking at me, and I got over how fast I thought I was supposed to go, I did it.
Turns out, I was actually stronger than I ever gave myself credit for.
Not surprisingly, this is also how I used to walk through life, convinced I wasn't strong enough, wise enough, good enough for this task or that. I would reason my way out of things so often that I didn't even notice it anymore.
But girl, I am strong enough. And so are you.
Whether you've told yourself you are too sensitive, too weak, too emotional, stop it right now. God has given you all the strength you need for the situation right in front of you.
You don't need an ounce more and you don't have an ounce less.
God has prepared you for these circumstances, these dreams, and these hopes. He has placed you in this community. He has poured His very breath into you so you can make an impact for His Kingdom.
You are strong. You can do this.
This thing that is staring you down like a bull before a fight? It's got nothing on you.
This person who keeps telling you that you can't succeed, that you'll never win? They don't know what God has called you to.
The obstacle that has landed right in the middle of your calling? God is stronger than the obstacle in your life. And because He is, so are you.
Keep going, sister. Go after that thing, overcome that obstacle, conquer that task. You are not weak, friend, but oh so very strong.
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31