True Strength

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13

In science class one year, my son Justin placed three bean seeds in wet paper towels and kept the towels moist until the beans began to sprout. At that point, he planted the seeds and the sprouts began to grow. The kids who did this successfully got credit for the assignment and brought their new plants home. The teacher told these kids that if they could take the assignment one step further and actually grow beans on these plants, they’d get extra credit. Justin was determined to do this.

When the plants grew tall enough that they began to bow, Justin found some dead sticks in the yard, stuck them into the dirt beside his plants, and tied his plants to the sticks for support. That’s when an amazing thing began to happen:

First, the bean plants died--all three of them. Kaput! Justin moved them to a sunnier place, gave them a bigger pot, watered them more, and watered them less. Nothing would save the little plants. To make matters worse, our new puppy got hold of the sickly sprouts and finished them off. (At least they made a meal for someone!) As all this was happening, however, one of the dead sticks began to sprout leaves. The bean plants were gone, but the dead stick began to thrive! (I wonder if that would have been worth extra credit.)

Just as the little bit of life remaining in the stick needed soil, sunlight, and water in order to come out, our strength to do anything and everything comes from God. When we plant ourselves in His Word, immerse ourselves in His love, and bask in the light of His Spirit, He gives us the strength we need!

Father, I thank You for Your strength to thrive in any situation You allow into my life. I'll seek it daily--and more! Amen.