I did not think I would ever get my strength back again after this last health scare of mine. I felt defeated on many levels. Although every day with God as my strength, I did my best. I listened to my body when I needed to rest and I did what I could when my energy allowed it. The first few weeks of being home were the toughest. Getting up and down my stairs was a chore and doing basic tasks left me feeling weak and exhausted. Though every day with God as my strength, I did my best. I did not know when I would start feeling like myself again. But every day with God as my strength, I did my best. I know that it was Him renewing me every day; both physically, mentally and spiritually. I am starting to feel like me again. I feel stronger, I am quickly getting up and down my stairs and completing not just chores, but even getting extra things done. My defeat, is now feeling more like a victory because of He who holds me, He who gives me strength, He who has given me victory. I do not know what tomorrow holds, but today, I am better and I am grateful to God for it. Will there be other things I will battle in my future; I am sure that there will be. This is life. Though I do not know how big or small my future battles may be; I know that God will be with me then too, through it all. For my victory is in Him! Whatever He decides I know that one way or another, that He will carry me through. Friend, life happens and there are times that are hard and leave us sometimes feeling defeated. Though we must get up every day and do our best. In our best, may we remember to rely on God as our strength. For relying on God whom is our hope, is the best thing that we can do!

Erin Fitts-Brower

Psalms 28:7 NIV

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.