Matthew 8 - Strength

Healing, setting free, restoration, nature, calming, new beginnings - all in chapter 8 of Matthew. It is just story after story in this chapter. And I needed to hear that but it didn’t really speak in that way until a rock fell out of my backpack as I was getting out of the car. It was a stone that was given to each participant at an event I was at a few months ago. I apparently held onto it and squirreled it away in my bag until it fell out as I picked it up just the right way with the zipper open just the right amount. The rock reminded me of the message from that day a few months ago and how God was the rock and the strength we can rely on through all things. Before the rock fell out of my bag, I hadn’t had the greatest morning - I was grouchy, short with people, and just not in the best of places. So, as I walked, I held onto that rock as I prayed about the power of God that I read about earlier in the morning in Matthew 8 to be made real and evident in me and to remember that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Part of my walk was revisiting a song by Gungor...Please Be My Strength

"Please Be My Strength"

I've tried to stand my ground I've tried to understand But I can't seem to find my faith again

Like water on the sand Or grasping at the wind I keep on falling short

So, please be my strength Please be my strength 'Cause I don't have anymore I don't have anymore

I'm looking for a place Where I can plant my faith One thing I know for sure

And I cannot create it And I cannot sustain it It's your love that's keeping me

Please be my strength Please be my strength I don't have anymore I don't have anymore

At my final breath I hope that I can say I've fought the good fight of faith

I pray your glory shine In this doubting heart of mine And all would know that you

You are my strength You are my strength You and you alone You and you alone You keep bringing me back home

You are my strength You are my strength You and you alone Keep bringing me back home

It's you and you alone Bringing me back home