Equipped and Empowered to Live as Christ Desires
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
This was the one time I absolutely couldn’t mess up. In the throws of a life-or-death battle, my mother-in-law needed an incredible amount of support and encouragement. And I wanted—needed—to be that for her, but fear of failure twisted my stomach. Battling chronic illness, I knew how I get when fatigue invades. My patience grows thinner, my smiles less frequent, and if pushed past my limits, my pain spikes, at times to unmanageable proportions.
But my concern didn’t center on me. I understood precisely what was at stake for my mother-in-law. I’d seen cancer destroy others half her age with twice her physical strength. To fight this battle well, she’d need to remain positive and focused. Plus, after a lifetime of taking care of others and asking for very little in return, it wouldn’t be easy for her to receive help. In fact, if she thought for an instant I was struggling, she’d likely try to bear her burden alone.
Something she absolutely couldn’t do, not while recovering from surgery and undergoing chemotherapy.
No. I needed to be strong, loving, patient, kind, giving—as reflective of Jesus as humanly possible. And if I fail, Lord?
As if in answer, the words from 2 Peter 1:3 sprang from my Bible, giving me hope. I sensed Him saying, “In Me, you have everything you need, sweet daughter. I’ve given you everything you need to live, and love as I desire.”
Holding tight to that promise, I was able to care for my mother-in-law with love and grace, relying not on myself but instead, the strength God provided. If you’re a follower of Jesus, He gives you the same promise. No matter what you’re facing, you have the power, in Christ, to live a godly life.
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Jennifer Slattery is a writer, editor, speaker, and the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries. She writes for Crosswalk, iBelieve is a multi-published author of Hometown Healing among other titles who also writes articles, Bible studies, and devotions. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall outings with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Visit her online at jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com or book her for your next women’s event.
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