With Christ’s strength, you can do all things!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

The "Smart" Test

As a child I had trouble pronouncing certain words, so it was arranged for me to see a speech therapist once a week. One day he said we were going to play an observation game. He handed me puzzles and pictures. First was a line drawing of four umbrellas. He asked me to tell him which one was different. I told him they all looked the same. He wrote down each of my answers. At the end of the test he asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I said, "a veterinarian". I had already decided because I loved animals and had lots of pets. He said, "It will never be possible because you have something called 'a low I-Q', you just aren't smart enough. Maybe you could become a veterinarian's assistant."

I felt sad and stupid

After that, I began doubting what I was able to do. I stopped dreaming of being a veterinarian. I thought of some things as being beyond my ability. The odd thing was, I could always do what I was interested in. I got low grades in subjects I didn't like and A’s in subjects I loved. I found it easy to “see-the-next-step” in jobs; and after I became a Christian I got A’s in Bible College.

I eventually took another I-Q test and discovered that I do not have a low I-Q. At the time I took the first test, I was slow developmentally. I had been born three months early, weighed a pound and a half and it took me many years to catch up with others my age. I also discovered as an adult that I have dyslexia and need to adjust for it. The biggest help and encouragement have come from learning and applying God’s Word.

Thoroughly equipped! 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV)

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10 NIV)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phil 4:13 KJV)