all things

     Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

     I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

I was interrupted while writing the previous sentence by a most uncomfortable sneezing fit. :) I am currently sick with a cold, and have been for the past couple days. At first, I was thinking it would be over the next day and I would carry on as normal. But when Saturday rolled around and I was still sick, I started wondering how long it was going to take for me to get better, I'm really, really tired of being sick. Anxious thoughts come unbidden to my mind: I have loads of homework to do before Monday and Tuesday, and this weekend happens to be the weekend my family is decorating for Christmas. I also was going to have an violin audition for my youth group's worship team, but I might have to reschedule because I'm sick and because I didn't get my piece ready in time. 

     In all this, the passage from Philippians above is helping me through. I'm learning to be content. I'm learning to be content with being awake half the night because I can't breathe through my nose; I'm learning to be content with trekking through the Christmas tree farm with a headache and a nauseous stomach; I'm learning to be content with having to still do school while I'm feeling sick. 

     I know how to be brought low. . . 

I can do ALL things. Through HIM who strengthens me. I don't know about you, but this verse gets me pretty excited. Sure, I'm discouraged sometimes; we all are. Some more than others. Sometimes it seems like you've tried to be content for so long, but it isn't working. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

1 Peter 5:6-7

     Jesus has enough strength for everyone, all the time. He has enough for me to get through an annoying and uncomfortable cold and still be joyful. 

     Rejoice always.

I forget all too often the significance of my blog's name. REJOICE. Always. In all things. Including illness. Because Jesus works in all things. 

-Sarah :)