“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” – Psalm 73:26
I am progressing quite well on my wellness journey, but there are times when I stumble. It could be by making an unhealthy food choice or, as I have recently done, by omitting a couple of days of movement. When these situations occur, I often berate myself for the failure in ways that I would never do to someone else! I am expecting perfection from a very imperfect person, especially with impossible goals such as “I should never go off my food plan;” “I should exercise daily;” “I should always drink enough water;” “I should always…” etc., etc. Wow, I am really hard on myself, holding myself to impossible expectations! When I do that, it becomes inevitable that I will fail!!
The Bible reminds me that it is through my weaknesses that God’s strength is revealed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” When I recognize my own weaknesses and acknowledge that my successes are only through the grace of God and His power, I begin to understand that He really is my strength! Philippians 4:13 reinforces this. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
I still am responsible to do my very best because the Scriptures tell me that “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31), but I must remember that I am not perfect by any means. If I were, I wouldn’t be concerned about how much water I drink… I’d be walking on it!!
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
(from “Give of Your Best to the Master” by Howard B. Grose)
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23
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When one thinks he or she is infallible, the problem is not perfection, but pride.