“For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” - Philippians 4:13

How many times do we doubt ourselves?  Or think that we aren’t good enough or talented enough to complete a certain task?  The big test coming up at school that we don’t think that we can pass. Or that fear that we never thought we would be able to conquer.  Each day is filled with so many chances that we have to doubt ourselves and doubt our abilities. But each and every single one of those things is a new opportunity that we have to put our faith and strength in Christ.  

So now for a little storytime from me that I hope you all enjoy and that it brings light and hope to you!:) I’ve been playing field hockey 9 years, and this verse has always been a special one to me.  There are multiple games where I would be mentally defeated before the game even began because of knowing the opponents have a better record or that they were predicted to win. But in those times, this verse always came to mind.  Christ is so much bigger and so much stronger than any opponent we will ever face. And knowing that gives me so much peace. This verse has always held so much importance to me, but this year, it truly hit home as to how much power it truly has.    

For the past 2 years, my field hockey team has finished second place in our division.  Both times, with just a 1 game difference between the winning team and ourselves. With those 2-second place finishes, local news sites would write about how those years had some of the best field hockey athletes from our school in the program history.  Last year, we lost 10 seniors all with so much talent. The only things news sites would write about is how this year would be a “rebuilding year for our program” and we were predicted to finish 4th place of 6. This is not something myself as a senior wanted to hear about my last season.

But we proved everybody wrong.  There was not a game that went by where I didn’t remind myself of the strength of this team and I have through Christ.  We would not now be able to call ourselves “DIVISION CHAMPIONS” without that truth. We had every reason to not believe in ourselves.  We heard so many people saying that we would never be good enough to be champions. But that was when we came together most, believed in each other, and I believed and found every ounce of strength in Christ.  

In 1 Samuel 17:32-51 the story of David and Goliath is told.  David knew that he was able to defeat Goliath because all of his strength was found in Christ.  1 Samuel 17:45 & 46, David says to Goliath, “...You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies- the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  Today the Lord will conquer you…”  The power and truth in this are incredible.  David knew that he would not be the one defeating the Philistine giant, but that it would be God’s work & strength through him.  Isn’t that the coolest?! God used little tiny David and nothing but stones and a slingshot to defeat a giant!! If that is possible, think about everything that you have the strength to defeat.  

So here is my challenge to you.  What is at least one thing that right now, you are going to put all of your faith in Christ to then receive his strength to defeat?  Anything. It doesn’t have to be a sport or a test. Anything at all. We all have something that we have to let go of, let the Lord take control, and he will then work through us so that we can come out victorious.  

I ask you to pray right now and ask God for this strength.  Hand it over to him. He’s got you. I promise.

God, I pray that you give me the strength to put my faith in you.  I am so small and you are so powerful, but through you, I can do anything.  I lie down all of my fears, all of my weaknesses, and know that you can conquer anything that alone, I cannot.  Thank you for your precious love, that you are so willing to fight our battles, God. I owe it all to you and know that with you, all things are possible.  Amen.

-- Taylor Hutchinson