4:13
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13
Ever since I was a young guy, this has been the piece of scripture that has guided me. Whether it was trying to control my temper, swim in the deep end of the pool, or becoming a professional hockey and/or football player. I allowed myself to dream and believe because I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
My relationship with God has not always been a smooth transition from the young kid dreaming of being the greatest athlete of all time to the man I am today. There have been moments of rebellion, there have been moments of doubt, and moments of questioning. My faith has been the core of who I was and am, but not always at the surface for all to see.
Last week my Mom was a guest blogger (sidenote: how awesome was her blog?!). She mentioned a conversation about her wanting to take the burden of MS from me, and I mentioned how I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate God’s greatness. I wanted to expand on that a little today…
It was a very anxious time in my life in the months leading up to my diagnosis. Despite this, there was a sense of calmness. I had almost accepted the fact that the results would be MS early on in the process, and as challenging as it was to hear the words, they were also comforting in a way. I have always believed that God only gives people what they can handle, and by giving me this disease, He was giving me not a burden but an opportunity to fulfill the potential He envisioned for me.
I prayed more in the following days than I had in the previous several years. Hearing words of prayer from my mom, dad and uncle evoked a feeling in my soul that I had never felt before, while also creating an emotional response that is normal for me: crying.
Over the last few months, I have finally started to make the health improvements that I’ve wanted for decades. The feeling of being lost and depressed that had consumed me for the previous three years have been gradually fading. I know that getting MS has saved my life; the changes I’ve made because of it will allow me to live a longer and happier life than I otherwise would have.
I know I’ll be able to get through this, because I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.
- Jesse