You Can Do It!

You Can Do It!

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

“I know this is hard, but I believe you can do this,” I told my friend. She was contemplating whether she really had what it took to go back to college after being away for several years. Her thoughts were warring inside her, and insecurity and doubt had taken hold as she listened to her fears about not being able to complete school. But I knew my friend, and I knew what she was capable of accomplishing if God was asking her to finish school. I knew the passion in her heart to help others once she finished her degree.

I became her voice of reason, reminding her of all the truths about herself that she couldn’t see at the moment. “You are capable of doing this,” I told her. “God is going to use you. I believe that you are able; you have everything you need to do this well!”

She gave me a lopsided grin as I willed her to believe these things for herself.

But my words weren’t just empty platitudes; I believed them to the core of my being. I could truly see all of the wonderful things about her, and I knew, even if she couldn’t see it then, that she could do it. I had no doubt. Over the next several months of starting back to school, anytime she needed encouragement, she’d call me, and I’d cheer her on.

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, and it takes our friends to remind us of what is true about us, our purpose, and our place in the world. And just as often as I cheerlead others, I find I need them to speak into my life when I am overwhelmed or believing lies. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you are struggling or to encourage others when they are as well, remembering that we can do everything that God is asking us to through Christ, who gives us strength.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Offer encouragement to a friend who is struggling to see what is true about themselves.