Consistent in Strength and Need

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV

Every morning after my run, I create a protein shake for my breakfast.  The ingredients are the same – banana, blueberries, water, protein powder, spinach, and ice.  It is all blended together and the color varies between purple and green.  The protein powder brand may vary, and some powders taste better than others.  I try new ones to see if I like them better.  The main ingredients stay the same but some days I may put a little more of one in it.  Some days it is creamy and smooth, and other days icy and lumpy.  Some days, I spill the shake pouring it into my cup, and other days I get the powder all over my hands and counter trying to get it out of the container.  The ingredients are similar, but the results are different.

My friend, Mikey, called my shakes “green slime.”  The last time I saw him, he asked if I was still drinking those awful green shakes.  Mikey never tasted the shake, but the look of them was not appetizing to him.  He would prefer a pastry or a drink instead.  Yes, it does not always look good to others, but to me it tastes good and provides the needed nourishment for my body.  It is a healthy way for me to give my body protein.

My protein shake has similarities to daily life.  Each day has the same basic ingredients – our routine, work and tasks, relationships, our environment and nature, and God.  Some days are smooth and enjoyable, and life seems to flow naturally and provide what we need.  We are filled with good.  Other days are filled with bumps and lumps where nothing seems to work or go right, and you make messes on the counter of your life.

Daily life does not always look good or turn out the way you had planned or expected.  There is a main ingredient to life just like my protein shakes.  When I do not use quality protein, my shakes do not taste as good nor are they as creamy and smooth.  What is your main ingredient in your life – yourself? Other people?  Possessions? The world?  I am striving to make God the main focus of my life each and every day.

I, like, Mikey, always thought protein shakes were nasty, and I did not want to try them.  Once I did and found out how good they taste and how healthy they are for my body, my perspective changed.  When we change the view that God only punishes us and causes all this pain and hurt in life and see God as the one who loves us the most and is always with us no matter what life brings, we begin to grow in our relationship with God.

Some of what happens in life, challenges us and makes us question God.  It feels messed up and nasty.  You wonder how you are to trust God in the mess.  It is through the mess and uncertainty that we become more dependent on God and trust Him even when we do not understand. 

I have found that the main ingredient in my shakes – protein – helps my body function better without all the sugar and carbs in my previous morning breakfast.  When I am consistent, I feel better.  Some days I do add a little more protein powder knowing I might need a little extra for my day.  When we make God the main focus in our lives, we find that God is consistent in our lives.  God will meet our needs according to the riches of Jesus.  That is, God will give us strength to face each day.  Some days, we may need a little extra patience to deal with a person.  Other days, we may need a little extra hope when the situation feels hopeless.  Another day we may need more peace to deal with the worry and anxiety that fills us.  God will supply all our needs.  It is relying on God’s strength, not just your own. 

I need to drink my shakes every day and eat other healthy meals to nourish my body. I need to renew my commitment to following Jesus every day and focus each day on God’s strength and presence.  It is reminding yourself of God’s consistent presence not just in certain times or places, but all the time and in every situation.  God is consistent in His love, strength, power, presence.  Be consistent in bringing every need to Him every day to strengthen and guide you.

Begin each day filling your body with good food.  Begin each day filling your soul with the Presence of God.  By living consistently in God’s presence, you have the strength you need each day – God’s strength in you.  God will supply your need.

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