Give Me Strength!

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

I gathered my lunch bucket, my purse, my coffee, the book I was reading at the time and the stack of items due (or more likely, overdue) to the library and rushed out the door. The day was going to be a long one. I knew that as I went to sleep the night before. I had a busy day at work, as I was in the middle of a large project, and I had a meeting scheduled for the evening that I was not exactly excited about. All of that was compounded by a situation that arose at church where I found myself planning a big event alone. Stress was not exactly a strong enough word for what I was experiencing at the time. Oh, and I also had dinner to fix that night and the laundry pile was threatening to take over the basement. Devotions that morning were, shall I say, a bit limited. I only had time to pray a quick, "Give me strength, Lord," as I rushed around for that DVD we never watched but was due three days ago. I repeated the prayer again as my English muffin slid out of my too-full hands, jam side down, and onto the garage floor. At least my coffee did not spill!

God surprised me that day. I should have expected my prayer to be answered, as He is always faithful, but I did not think He would. I was wrong. He answered my prayer plus one. I found time on my lunch break to read a devotional, which of course, hit me where I needed it. I made serious progress on my work project. The errands I did after work were simple. My daughter, who usually has a meltdown when I pick her up at my sister-in-law's house, was pleasant and cooperative. I managed to fix dinner for that night and get a jump start on the following night's meal. The meeting I dragged myself to went better than expected. I was actually challenged and energized by it.

The simple prayer I said that morning went straight to God's ears. He heard my cry for help and did more than answer it. He did not give me just enough juice to get through the day; He gave me an abundance to make the day successful. He turned chores and meetings and projects into rewarding acts of worship, as I thanked Him for the strength and time to do them. He took my weaknesses and imbued them with His perfect strength, allowing me to proficiently complete my tasks and saturate them with meaning and purpose. God did not give me strength that day, He gave me success. I challenge you to pray that simple and powerful prayer for your life today.

God, give me strength to complete the tasks I have today. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher