“So what if my stroke left me with a speech impediment?  Moses had one, and he did all right.”
– Kirk Douglas

I guess today’s message is meant to be an encouragement because I think of all things, God realizes how much we need encouragement. I need to be told that “I can do it.” How could I truly live without knowing that He is with me? Where would I find strength to persevere in the race if His hand was not reaching for mine? From a song by the Reverend Dan Smith, I need to treat “each stumbling block as a stepping stone.” WOW!

Each and every trial, tribulation, challenge and “defeat” is an opportunity for us to embrace the will of God. I say that because I believe everything happens for a reason. Does it mean I understand the reason? No. Doesn’t mean I have to like what happens either. What it means is that in everything God has a purpose and a way for me to draw closer to Him, to be refined by His fire. A step up toward Him. God wants only the best for me and you. That doesn’t mean I’m always comfortable and happy in the present. But it means that I will sing for all eternity the glory of His name.

In my mind, I am replaying a scene that I think is from the first Karate Kid movie. It is where Mr. Myoshi tells the boy to turn disadvantage into advantage. To use the weight and tendencies of his opponent as a way to overcome him. What is required is to think differently, to see opportunity. What is required is to have someone saying “you can do it.” What is required is for me to listen to God.

His Word tells us that I can do it.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NIV).