We Can Do Hard Things

I flipped on the TV and started watching the 2024 Paris Paralympics. I was in awe of the talent, physical strength, drive, and sheer determination to do what those who have all their abilities intact – wouldn’t consider doing.

These incredible Paralympians do what others would think is impossible. My heart opened with a new sense of “I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

I was wimpy about accepting a leadership role at my church. I was thinking: “This is for younger women. These women have young children. I’m long past those years. How can I relate?” Satan was intimidating me with all kinds of silly concerns – especially in that sense that I had been them – raising my children AND they survived, and so did I!

Suddenly, with the inspiration from a dear friend, and the Holy Spirit’s voice, came: “I CAN do this!” Wimpy-ness has no place in my life OR yours! I can/you can DO THIS!

When we feel like we have every reason in the world to quit, let’s look around at those who have more reason than we do to quit... but they don’t.

One glance at the athletes in the Paris Paralympics, and I’m instantly reminded of what the human spirit is capable of when it refuses to give in. These athletes don’t focus on what they can’t do; instead, they push beyond the boundaries of what seems impossible.

Take the story of U.S. Paralympian Oksana Masters. Born with birth defects from radiation exposure in Ukraine, she had both legs amputated above the knee at a young age. But that didn’t stop her. She not only mastered multiple sports, from rowing to cycling, but she also won multiple medals.

Taking gold in her first race of Paris 2024, Masters reached the landmark of 20 Paralympics medals at the Games.

Oksana’s determination is a living testimony to the power of perseverance. She doesn’t just adapt; she conquers. She’s living proof that obstacles might just be the gold medal when we all refuse to quit!

So, what’s our excuse? We, too, can soar when we adopt this same mentality. People who soar aren’t waiting for life to change — they change it. They visualize in their hearts and minds that they are overcomers, and their vision propels them forward. Complaining or wishing for things to be different is not part of their narrative.

Let’s refuse to be whiners with low self-images. We have the power of Almighty God residing in us. Like those extraordinary Paralympians, we push through and pull up because “quit” is just not in our vocabulary. Let’s serve notice to the enemy of our souls that we are winners – not whiners. We are conquerors – not the conquered.

We really CAN do all things through Christ Who gives us the strength to win and conquer!