Strength...

I don't have to worry about anything anymore! God is with me and He's here to strengthen me in every situation. I recently was invited to a bachelor party for a friend of mine from work. I was extremely nervous about going because I didn't want to go any place that might be in direct conflict with my core values and beliefs. Plus the fact I know that I have an addiction to alcohol and therefore have no business being in a bar or tavern. I decided to go and bring a fellow coworker who is a Christian with me. We all had a blast and it was a great witness to our coworkers to see us go out with them, not drink, and have a good time while sipping on diet coke!!! Was it difficult being in that setting? Sure it was. I spent most of the time in my former club life in a bar or ice house with my buddies. Was the urge to drink overwhelming? NO. Honestly I prayed that God would help me to have no desire to drink and He absolutely came through. It's like I told a coworker who is constantly ribbing me for being a "Jesus Freak", if I drink one beer or go to a strip club with you guys in your eyes and the eyes of everyone we work with I'm a hypocrite. He agreed that it would look bad. I'm not saying that a Christian can't have a drink every now and then, but in this setting they wanted to see if I was strong enough to stick to my guns and my faith. The impact of all those guys going back to work and telling everyone how much fun they had with the us, "Jesus Freaks" who didn't drink, has been awesome. God will strengthen you in every situation and will work them out for His good and your good. You have the ability to be strengthened in any situation. All you have to do is ask! Psalm 16:8 New Living Translation (NLT) 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.