The Strongest Person I Know

“This is the strongest person I know!”

Went to school and ran into a friend who was leaving a new parents’ orientation, and this is how Jennifer introduced me to the other person with her. WOW! What a compliment!

Whenever I get positive words about me and how I “handle” things, I think to myself, “If you only knew!” I used to say to myself that they didn’t see the real thing. They don’t know about the times I get angry, the pity parties, the post that only my prayer group gets, the cries for relief, etc. If they really knew the real deal, they would think differently.

But then it hit me. They ARE seeing the real thing! I know God can heal, but He has chosen not to do so at this time. It’s always been my prayer that I would never respond to my situation in a way that would dishonor God or ruin my testimony. The real goal is that through it all the focus would be on God. So when people say those positive things they are indeed seeing the read deal.

I have a friend who lost their business. After 15 years, she and her husband were forced to shut down and liquidate everything. They were up to their ears in debt, and didn’t see how they were going to pay it off. There was an initial contract for someone to buy the business, but that fell through. It seemed like nothing was going right, and with every turn they were faced with more obstacles.

I might be Jennifer’s strongest, but Pam is the strongest person I know! Even when being transparent with the emotional roller coaster they were on, she always seemed  strong through it all. Then I learned why when she shared this: “…my goals is to come through this with integrity, and for my kids and grandkids to see the power of God at work in us.” What a testimony!

So it is possible to be stong in the midst of the struggles we go through on this roller coaster of life. It doesn’t mean you enjoy it or that the problems aren’t real. Losing a business with no idea of what God has in store for your future isn’t what I call a little roadblock. To me that’s hitting the brick wall. But in the midst of being banged up, bruised and hurting, we can stand as God shows himself strong through us.

But for that to happen, we have to consider the goal. Of course we want things to get better. I’d be lying if I said that I don’t mind the health limitations, and I know Pam and her husband would love to still have their business. But if the goal, the ultimate goal, in the negative circumstances we go through is for God to be glorified, we become the strongest person to those around us.

I would love to hear about the strongest person you know or how God has made you that strongest person.