There are fleeting moments when I see a flicker of light in their eyes, as if something in their little brains connected the dots, and then I realize that those seemingly ignored conversations have truly been absorbed and are molding our girls into the beautiful souls who love God and want to serve Him with their lives. While it’s true that overindulgence produces selfishness, I remember that I am trying – desperately trying – every day to teach my girls about God and kindness for the sake of kindness (instead of a reward). Sometimes I lament that my kids are acting just like every other bratty, entitled child I’ve met in my life, and I wonder where I’ve gone wrong as a mother. “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” Proverbs 22:6 That in and of itself is encouragement to continue on our personal journey to the Cross. It is true that our power – our ability to accomplish anything of merit – is derived solely from God. Though we may be inclined to despair, we can call upon this verse and be renewed in strength. Certainly we can relate to the burdens we carry as they become insurmountable at times. He fell three times under the weight of the Cross. How is it possible that power is perfected in weakness? Jesus certainly displayed this on His journey to Calvary. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10Īgain, God uses the irony of weakness and strength. With God’s grace – when we ask for it and utilize it – we can do everything, including the impossible (and maybe even with a smile). We need to learn total dependency on God, because He is the source of our strength. But God reminds us that, though we are finite, it is because of our weakness that we need Him. Throughout each day, it is tempting to simply give up and give in to our impatience and the mounting stress. Sometimes we, as busy wives and mothers, simply get exasperated and emotionally depleted from all the harried and hurried way we go about our days. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ![]() This is the sonnet of strength for those who are in a place of pending. But I am learning to wait for Him, because I know even when I cannot see what He is doing, much growth and plenty of spiritual fruits will become apparent in due time. In my own life, I have become frustrated when things seem to be at a standstill and when my plans are discarded by God’s design. Good things happen when we wait with Him for His perfect timing. We are eager to accept the instant gratification of high speed everything, but God reminds us to be patient. Waiting is difficult for most of us, especially in our Information Age of the hurry-up-and-wait mentality. “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 On the contrary, He will lift us up with His strength and protect our hearts from further damage. This verse reminds us that God alone is where we must put our trust, and we will not be disappointed. At times we can feel beaten down and neglected by our human companions. Trust is another issue that many women face because of betrayal and because of our innate tendency to share our hearts freely with others. “The Lord is my strength and my shield in him my heart trusts.” Psalms 28:7 ![]() The source of my joy is from God and His strength that He gives me. When I get to that point, I recall this verse, which reminds me that I don’t have to feel joy in my heart in order to exhibit it. I struggle with this on a daily basis as a caregiver to two girls with special needs, and sometimes my frustration overwhelms me to despondency. Grief can strike us at any moment for any reason, and we often do not recognize its manifestation until we are deep in sorrow. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Here are nineteen of my favorite quotes from Scripture, all of which have been instrumental in my personal journey toward sanctification. Naturally, the Bible is a treasure trove for such inspiration, and women can be certain that they will glean strength and hope from some of the most beloved of verses (and some lesser known quotes, as well). Women tend to master the art of multitasking, so it’s important that the encouragement we receive on a daily basis be focused and uplifting. Like many women, I am an avid fan of nonfiction, and of that, my favorite are short devotionals that revolve around inspirational Scripture verses.
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