God Renews Me

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." - Ephesians 6:10 NIV

As I mentioned yesterday, since Thanksgiving I've had no energy or desire to do anything except sleep. After shopping on Black Friday, I came home and slept. We drove up north on Saturday and I slept through most of the drive, which took all day. Sunday, after church, I came home to get some things done that needed my attention but took a 3-hour nap instead. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, I napped off and on, mostly on, getting dressed only when it was time to pick up my granddaughter from school. What in the world was wrong with me? I've never been this tired!!

God finally got through to me Wednesday evening as I was heading to bed early, despite having napped through most of the day. I had been putting Him last in my priorities, making excuses as to why I didn't have time to get my Bible study done and shirking in my prayers. I realized if I wanted to get back to "normal", if I wanted to get my energy back and not feel so tired and lazy, I had to give God control. I had to get back into my routine of putting Him first and letting the rest of the day fall under His power. So, yesterday morning I did just that. And I have to praise God for answered prayer! He renewed my strength; He re-energized me. I felt like the Energizer Bunny yesterday!! I washed the dishes, wrote my grocery list, cut coupons, did my Prayer Study for Life group, got through most of the email I've let slide the last few days and didn't even think about taking a nap. Hallelujah!! Some of you may say, "Oh, that's just a coincidence. You've been sleeping for most of the past few days; of course you have energy now!" Well, I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in the power of God and answered prayer and I KNOW that's exactly what happened!!

Isaiah 40:31 NIV says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." When I'm tired and weary, He will strengthen me. When I'm discouraged and defeated, He will lift me up. When I'm anxious and fearful, He will give me courage. When I'm worried, He will comfort me. I can run this race called life, knowing that whatever I face, God is with me. All I have to do is turn to Him and ask and He will renew me. Thank You God!!

"If we are whimpering, and sniveling, and begging to be spared the discipline of life that is sent to knock some smatterings of manhood into us, the answer to that prayer may never come at all. Thank God! If you are not bleating to get off, but asking to be given grace and strength to see this through with honour, "The very day" you pray that prayer, the answer always comes." - A. J. Gossip

Dear Lord, Thank You for renewing my strength and energy. When I rely on You and Your promises, You always come through for me. I lift up to You praise and worship for answered prayer, strength, comfort, courage, hope and peace. All come from You. Let me draw energy from You today and may Your will take priority over my own. In Jesus' name, Amen.