God Gave Me Strength

Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! He is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trusted in him, and he helped me. Joy rises in my heart until I burst out in songs of praise to him. The Lord protects his people and gives victory to his anointed king.

Defend your people, Lord; defend and bless your chosen ones. Lead them like a shepherd and carry them forever in your arms. Psalm 28:6-9 (TLB)

Pilar Gonzalez, from Coquimbo, Chile, was in her final year of university and about to present her thesis. She did not have a family member present because her grandfather, whom she had lived with for four years, was in poor health and several of her family members were caring for him.

While Pilar was waiting among her schoolmates and their family members, her sister called and told Pilar that their grandfather had died. She began to sob. Grief and worry for her family flooded her mind, and she was so overwhelmed that she collapsed and was taken to the infirmary.

Her father called to tell Pilar that if she chose not to present her thesis, he would support her decision. However, this would mean that the past academic year would have been wasted. The words of Philippians 4:13 came to Pilar: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Pilar centered her thoughts and asked God to help her. She was filled with a peace that she can't explain, and she decided to present her thesis.

Throughout this experience, she felt a deep connection to God, who provided the strength she needed. Pilar could only say, "God gave me the strength."

Prayer: Eternal God, thank you for your abiding presence and for your word that reminds us to take heart and rely on you. Help us to seek you at all times and in all situations, in Jesus' name. Amen.