There is a precious scene in the movie Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin in which Christopher Robin comes to tell Pooh that he’s going away to school.

“If ever there’s a tomorrow when we’re not together, there’s something you must remember,” Christopher Robin urges his friend.

“And what might that be, Christopher Robin?” Pooh asks.

The reply is a beautiful one. “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!”

The honey-loving Pooh Bear didn’t even want to think of a day without his beloved Christopher Robin at his side. Yet, the boy had full confidence in his stuffed friend.

I admit, when faced with things I dread, I often feel a whole lot more like Pooh than I should. I am tempted to give in to fear, determined that I cannot possibly conquer the challenges before me. Recently, though, I have been reminded that I, too, am braver than I believe, stronger than I seem, and smarter than I think.

But, it’s not through any great strength of my own that I can claim these things. Instead, I find courage when I remain close to Christ through prayer. A relationship with Christ does not remove the things I dread. It does not automatically conquer the challenges and smooth the path. But, as I surrender my fears to him in prayer, he reminds me that, through the Holy Spirit within me, I am filled with the very power that raised Jesus from the grave!

Suddenly, the things I dread seem much less powerful.

The most beautiful truth is that, unlike Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh, I will never be separated from my Friend and Source of strength. He is ever near and ever working through me to equip me for every challenge.
Whatever faces you today, may you be reminded that, with Christ, you can have the courage, strength, and wisdom you need to face any challenge!