Day 49- Strength

So it has been a rough week. Last weekend I started feeling sick. My fever got up to 102.5. So I went to the doctor and after doing a bunch of tests he diagnosed my with pneumonia. Yuck. I got probably the worst shot I have ever gotten. Ryan said he could barely watch them give it to me. Plus I've been on medicine to try to clear the gunk out of my lungs. It has not been a fun week. I didn't get to go to work and I miss the kiddos and my coworkers. Also, I was supposed to start on Wednesday. I'm on day 34 of my cycle, so hopefully I will start soon.

Now that you are updated on my physical condition, I wanted to share about strength. It amazes me how many people tell me how strong I am after I share with them some of what I am going through. My husband has even mentioned it in the last week or two. I've been home alone a lot this week and in between watching daytime tv and taking naps I thought about whether I am strong or not. One of my friends about a year ago after praying over me told me that I am a lion, but that I don't see myself that way. She told me to stop holding back. That was a shock to me. But now as I am writing this and contemplating my strength maybe there is some of that lion in me. Whether I am strong or not though is not really the point. The point is where my strength comes from and that is not me. My strength comes from the Lord. David says that over and over in the Psalms. Samson who is considered one of the strongest men in history learned the tough way that his strength came from God. I don't think anyone can be strong outside the power that God gives them to do so. Strength comes from relying on God.

One of my favorite songs is In Christ Alone. We sing it at church and the band rocks. I cannot sing that song without crying and feeling the presence of Christ. Owl City does a great version of it along with several other artist. If you have not heard it I recommend you youtube it. Below are the lyrics. As you read them remind yourself that you are strong, because God gives you that strength. God is with you wherever you are at whether you are dealing with infertility like me or some other trial of life. May God grant you the power to believe and trust In Christ Alone.

"In Christ Alone"
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sins curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a lifes first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand"