PHILIPPIANS 4:13

      I have a scripture verse on my dashboard! No, it's not so I can prove to the world that I am a spiritual giant or because I'm a seasoned pastor and that's what pastors should always do. We should have the bible memorized, right? I have it there for a very simple reason. I admit I am weak. I admit I am not perfect. I admit I need strength from above and lastly I admit that every single day I need to put God first in everything I say and do. I can't do it all by myself. I need help from above! That scripture verse is found in the book of Philippians Chapter 4 and verse 13. My favorite verse in the bible! "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!" That scripture verse is there for me every day to remind me where my strength needs to come from...from the Lord above!

     Ever since I left my position at Smithtown Gospel I have worked various jobs. I know I have shared with you all of them before. When I was driving a limo it was stressful especially when your client needs to catch a plane and you are stuck behind a huge accident or in bumper to bumper traffic. You almost wish your car could fly just like in the Jetson's cartoon! When I was walking door to door selling lawn care to strangers when I was at TruGreen, I know doing that was not my forte but I managed to pull through. I am NOT a salesman but by the grace of God I made it to #7 in our company out of 25 people. Philippians 4:13! Working at Chick Fil A both in Port Jeff and Commack I was thrust into a role as a morning manager. It was not something I ever did before but by God's grace I am still at it after 7 1/2 years! Philippians 4:13! Even working at Home Depot during the pandemic made for some very difficult encounters with customers who wanted to know why we had no sprinklers for sale when I worked in the garden department. When I worked there as an OFA (Order Fulfillment Associate) and I had to shop for customers and sometimes find a package of small screws or nails that were hard to find. It was difficult but I remembered Philippians 4:13! Even those customers were not happy if we didn't have the right light fixture or correct toilet seat!

     

     On January 3rd I started a new job working in  lawyers office. This job has been less strenuous on my back and has helped me tremendously! The training for this lasted 6 weeks which I thought in the beginning was insane but now that I am on my own on the phone lines I can see why. It is a lot of information to learn and know! We receive phone calls from clients who pay for legal services and it's my job to type in the computer in a database the situation they are going through for one of our many lawyers can look at and decide if they want to proceed with the client. On the phones I deal with all types of people...some nice...some not so nice. I was supposed to go on my own on Monday, February 13...one day after the Super Bowl.Let's just say on that Sunday I had A LOT of anxiety. I went to the library to prepare for my first day by typing out lists and then I went to the gym to exercise. I came home to watch the big game and although I did watch the game, my mind was on my first day being alone. I even pleaded with God to let me have an extra day to train. Then I remembered that verse in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" and I realized I am not alone. The strength I need cannot come from me. It HAS to come from the Lord above.

         On Monday, February 13 I walked into the lawyers office very nervous but knowing God was on my side. In fact, God did here my prayer and my computer was not ready for me to be on my own. I literally had a day and a half to prepare mentally and to train with other experienced Customer Service Reps. On Valentine's Day around 12:30 p.m. my computer had all the necessary programs loaded on them. I was on my own on the phones but I really wasn't! I knew I had to put my trust God and continue to say Philippians 4:13 over and over. 

       So in every situation we face, we need to reflect on that great verse in Philippians. I realize that in my 59 years on this planet there are any things I am not so good at. I work hard on the things I am good at and try to get better with, of course, God's help. My goal one day is to be back in full time ministry and I know that day will come very soon. In the meantime all I can do is work on me but more importantly I need to let God work on me!!

PHILIPPIANS 4:13