I was reading words from a tired, frustrated mom and I wanted to think of some encouraging words for her. One thing that popped into my mind was a phrase I have heard so many times in recent years. It’s a phrase I have also said myself: “You’ve got this!”
At that moment, it occurred to me that we aren’t actually supposed to “have this.” Not really, anyway. When we say that, we tend to forget something very important. The only one who actually CAN have this and DOES have this in the palm of His hands is God. Yes, I know God gives us abilities and he gives us special tasks, but if we forget that He is the ONE we must always turn to when we feel out of control, we will never, ever “have this.”
Even the well-known passage of Philippians 4:13, which says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength,” tells us that it is His strength which allows us to do all things. Sometimes when this verse is used, the emphasis is put on the wrong part. We focus on the part where I can do everything instead of who gives us the strength to do everything. I am glad for these type of reminders that pop up from time to time. I know it always helps me to adjust my perspective on things.
This reminder is not meant to put us in our place, but to remind us that whether we feel like we “have this” or not, we can know that God is the Almighty God. He always has all things in the palm of His hands, and he is there to help us through all seasons of life, whether that is parenting young children or finding a new purpose in our lives when one door closes.
I love these verses written by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Let this be a reminder that we do not have to be perfect and have everything under control. We just need to have Christ and His power in our lives to make us stronger and able to do His will. So the next time you want to encourage a friend to hang on, tell them, “God’s got this! He has you in the palm of His hands, and He will help you through this.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you that you sent your son, Jesus, into our lives to be a model for our lives. Thank you for always keeping us in the palm of your hands. Help us to remember that your plan is greater than anything we can ever imagine. In times when we do not have the strength to do everything, knowing your strength is there to help us continue gives us comfort. We love you and we thank you for that power. Let us never forget that, and may we always cling to your strength. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
Have you ever used this phrase? In what other ways can you remember and encourage others that God has all things in His hands?