by Linda Cox


I can do all things

through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:19 NIV


I snuggled contentedly in my chair, sipping a warm cup of tea. As I thought about my new home, I reflected on the last ten months—how the bottom had dropped out of my world and I found myself starting life all over again at the age of sixty-two.


And now, here I sit, having done things I never thought I’d be able to do. From buying a house to contracting fencing and concrete work for it. From cleaning out gutters to learning how to use a caulking gun. Not only had I learned to stay by myself unafraid, I even went through the automatic car wash alone. Yes! I am woman, hear me roar!


Oh, who am I kidding. That’s not me. I have no reason to roar. Unless it’s in praise to the Lord who carried me through these last ten months and will carry me through the rest of my life. He is the One who gave me courage to go on, wisdom to make decisions, and the strength to do things that just months ago would have caused me to pass out from fear. And He’s the One who gave me the friends who walked beside me through it all.


As I sit here and reflect, even smile at “my” accomplishments, I see God’s hand in all things. I know that He is the One who strengthens me.


If you are struggling with fear, inadequacy, or sadness; if you are facing life alone, remember God loves you with an everlasting love. He will not let you go. He Who gave His only Son to die on the cross for us, will give us all things needed to live a life for Him.


So lift your prayers to Him and watch expectantly as He gives you exactly what you need just when you need it. Then “go in the strength of the Lord” and roar out in praise to Him.


I will go in the strength of the Lord:

I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only.

Psalm 71:16 KJV



Linda Veath Cox is a regular contributor to DivineDetour. She recently retired after twenty-five years as a district office secretary for the State of Illinois. Her first loves are studying the Bible and reading, but she occasionally tries her hand at writing. Her work is published in All My Bad Habits I Learned from Grandpa (Thomas Nelson),The One-Year Life Verse Devotional (Tyndale), Life Lessons from Grandparents (Write Integrity), Love Is a Verb (a devotional from Bethany House), and Chicken Soup for the Soul’s I Can’t Believe My Dog Did That. She lives in a small town in the Midwest with the “Bone Mafia,” her two indoor/outdoor mutts.