It’s not milk at all actually, it’s solid food that I’m ready to swallow.
If you’ve read my blog, heard me speak or have been a friend for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me say that our spiritual growth is a process, not a final performance. It’s about progress, not perfection, even if our deepest desire and striving is to “be perfect, as our Father in Heaven is perfect” (Matt 5:48). I’m never saying we shouldn’t aim for it; rather that it usually doesn’t arrive overnight.
Occasionally, though, The Lord quickens the process of spiritual growth, and it’s usually through pain, suffering or conflict of some kind. I’ve had a bit of a quickening as of late, some spiritual muscle milk that has bulked me up through the power of God’s Word. But don’t worry, I’m not planning to beat anyone up with it. Hopefully I’ll help build you up instead.
This brings me to what I promised in my last post, to share my 2013 core verse:
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father…” Colossians 1:11-12a
Okay, it’s a verse and a half, but who made up the verse numbers anyway? It goes together. And actually, whenever I choose a core verse, I spend the year studying it more in-depth, including the context surrounding it, as well as other passages that parallel its message. So pretty much all of Colossians is fair game. 
I love what my ESV Study Bible has to say about this power: “Paul wants the Colossians to know that he prays regularly that God would impart His power to them, not for selfish aims but so that they can live for God in a worthy manner. The purpose of this God-given power is to provide the divine strength needed for the believer to attain Christian virtues, to persevere in the faith, to resist temptation and deceitful teachers & so to know the joy of The Lord.”
This is right where I am, my friends. Though I’ve endured a lot of pain and discomfort physically lately, it’s stretched me even more emotionally and spiritually. And as I’ve depended on Him in my weakness, He has strengthened me as promised. I need to continue to walk in this manner, especially as each day I’m tempted to be impatient with the lack of progress physically, or to get down on the fact that I can’t keep up with everything and everyone that I want to. So that’s why I’ll be keeping these verses in front of me, praying them daily, applying them as I depend on God’s grace to supply all that is needed, no matter how much or how little progress I feel like He is making in me. And I want to go through the process joyfully, giving thanks to the Father each baby step of the way.
I hope this encourages you. I pray that The Lord draws someone’s heart to this testimony that needs to hear it right now. I also pray that He continues to lead others to pray these Scriptures for themselves and their fellow brothers & sisters in Christ as well. More than ever, we need Christ’s power to be seen in and through us in the world today…in our relationships, our struggles, our successes, in everything, all by His glorious might & for His glory.
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Your message truly spoke to me. I am experiencing major, painful and expensive problems with my teeth. It has absolutely consumed me . Pain and discomfort has a way of doing that. I’ve been deling with this since November. I woke up to great anxiety because I have another dental appointment this morning. I’ve prayed about it and I’m praising God as Lord Almighty in this situation. I’m trying to keep my joy and your message is a big help. Thank you!
Thanks for the sweet encouragement, truly appreciate you sis. Sending you love and prayers.
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Indeed encouraging.
The strength of God!
A mighty, powerful prayer to pray for self and others. I see so much of God’s strength displayed in you, sister.
peace~elaine
elaine @ peace for the journey recently posted..my 7th year with God . . .
Hi Lauralee! My gosh, it has certainly been a while since I visited here. Had no idea what you had been through, but Christ is magnified so much because of it! You are a lovely person, and the warmth of the Holy Spirit is felt after every one of your words. I can also say that all of the trouble and misery felt on the outside (my physical body) has been the biggest blessing to my inner man! It’s an honor to be your sister in the Lord! Keep letting your light shine, and I will do the same! Blessings to you
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