That’s what my 94-year old friend, Dick, tells me every time he hosts me in his home in
Mission Viejo, CA. I see him at least once a year, and in each passing year, I notice how his health is deteriorating fast. But I am not young myself. I’m beginning to feel my age. I have some health concerns that occasionally alter my schedule. In fact, I spent most of last week in therapy, undergoing MRIs and other tests. And more and more, I agree with Dick: “Growing old sucks!”
But don’t get me wrong. I do what I can to take care of my body. I pray for my physical health. I want to be strong and healthy enough to do what God wants me to do and to go where he wants me to go. I don’t want to live the rest of my life in bitterness, constantly complaining about my decaying body. I want to grow old gracefully.
And so, I am grateful for God’s word for me today. This is a prayer of the apostle Paul for the Christians in Ephesus—
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 NLT
My physical strength may decline; however, I am praying for limitless inner strength. Such an audacious prayer, right? Well, it’s because the all-powerful Spirit of God can give me strength. Not just enhanced physical, human strength. Instead, strength according to his glorious and unlimited resources!
In case you get me to meet this week, I hope that you will see God’s limitless power actively at work in my life–enabling me to accomplish all that I have to do despite my physical frailty and limitations. May this be your experience as well today and throughout the new week.
Note: Photo shows me getting laser therapy for the frozen shoulder.
Clear intentions 