Olaf's Pep Talk

Every Friday morning I take my kids to my mom's house so I can spend the day at the Not Forgotten Ministries' office. Allison typically packs a couple of bags of toys to bring along. This morning, as we were driving, there was a consistent murmuring from one of the toys in her bag. As a mom of four, I have learned to tune out most of the toy noises, so I barely noticed the sound creeping from the bag.

Several minutes into the drive Allison said, "Mom, just ignore Olaf. He doesn't know when to be quiet." I laughed and agreed with her; but her comment drew my attention to what Olaf was saying. Mostly he repeats the same couple of phrases like, "Hi! You look beautiful," and something about a cute unicorn. There's also some incomprehensible gibberish, as well as various giggles.

While we waited at a a drive-thru for coffee, I looked over at Olaf. It felt as if that goofy stuffed animal was looking straight at me. Then he said, "You're stronger than I think you realize."

The words struck me. He hadn't said that line yet, or at least I hadn't noticed it. More importantly, those were words I needed to hear. I'm working through some difficult things currently and to be transparent, I've been feeling very depressed and weak. There have been moments that I've wondered if I have the strength to get through it.

Hearing Olaf's words struck me because the truth is, I am stronger than I realize. Not because of who I am but because of who my God is.

"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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecution, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10.

Sometimes I get caught up in my emotions and forget that my feelings often cloud the truth. God has carried me through all the struggles and difficulties I've faced in the past and He will do it again. I know its true even when it doesn't feel like it because He has never left me, He has always carried me, and His Word says so. My weakness gives me the opportunity to witness His strength and power in a fresh way.

Olaf's pep talk was a timely reminder. Even when I feel I have no strength left, I am stronger than I realize because God's power and strength rest on me.

The same is true for you.

Tori