“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~2 Timothy 1:7
About 7 years ago, I sat in my dad’s car one day after school. I can’t remember why I was there, but I do remember playing with a staple machine. I guess in my teenage mind I thought that playing with a fully loaded staple machine would be a good idea. As I played with it, somehow, I ended up stapling my finger. As I looked down at the small silver staple in my index finger, blood oozing out and dripping on the floor mat of the car, I expected myself to yell out in pain or start crying. Instead, I laughed. To be honest, at that moment I thought something was wrong with me, but I just kept laughing despite the throbbing pain in my finger.
As I look back on this experience, my reaction always surprises me. Growing up, I was not very tough. I cried at the slightest things and took simple things said to me to heart. Now, as an adult I can see how much I have matured emotionally and spiritually. I have gone through instances that hurt much more that a staple in my finger. I may not have laughed at my pain, but my reaction to various painful circumstances is not what I expected of myself. I have second guessed myself so much to the point that I failed to see how resilient God has made me.
What about you? I’m sure that there is a situation that you thought would break you, but you’re still here today. God does not plant in us a spirt of fear or timidity; this is what the devil would rather us be. Instead, God gives us power, love and a sound mind. Don’t second guess yourself. God is bigger than that trial you’re facing or that person who thinks they can step on you like a welcome mat. Take a good look in the mirror and see the strength of God shining through you. You are not a failure, you are not a mistake, you are not weak; you are stronger than you think.
Remember you are special and loved. Keep smiling and keep positive.