Strength

STRENGTH

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deut. 31:6 (NKJV)

We all face fear at some point in our lives. I was keenly aware of the rapid decline in my vision, and the doctor only confirmed what I knew; I was going blind. I have been legally blind most of my life, but there is something about the thought of living in total darkness that raises fear and anxiety to a new level. I was afraid of the unknown. How would I cook? How would I read my Bible? I could not find the strength within myself to handle this, but God gave me His strength – His divine strength.

As the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land God commanded them to be strong and courageous. This strength was not within them, but it came from God.

In Paul’s prayers for the NT churches, he asked God to strengthen the believers; “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power” (Col. 1:11). God is all powerful, so we know that it is a mighty strength that He gives to Christians. Also in Ephesians 3:16, Paul prayed, “that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man”. The Holy Spirit strengthens believers according to His riches. That is an amazing unlimited supply which is never lacking.

Why do we still feel weak? Sometimes, we lean on our own strength rather than trusting God. Remember the comforting words God spoke to Paul; “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9). In our weakness, there is God’s strength.

Heavenly Father,
At our best, we are weak. Forgive us for the times when we think we are capable of handling things in our own strength for it is only through Your mighty strength that we can do anything. Strengthen Your children! Thank You, amen.

DIG DEEPER
Read Deut. 31:1-8. What fears did the Israelites face? What fears do you think Joshua had when he became the new leader?

HIKING THE TRAIL
What fears are you facing today? In what areas do you feel weak? Is there anything hindering you from completely trusting God to give you the strength that you need? Claim this promise from Phil. 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Copyright 2015 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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