We have just finished celebrating two of our daughter’s birthday’s, and I was reflecting on what beautiful, intelligent young woman they have grown into.
Our daughters are strong, feisty, and often voice their opinions. But I’ve decided that the world really needs strong people like our daughters who know how to stand up for themselves when necessary, who will listen to God and his way of doing things, and have learnt, and are learning how to get along with others.
Strong people are confident in who they are, and don’t bother spending time putting others down, but in lifting them up.
I love the account in the bible about a guy name Joshua. He had a tough job in being the man who was chosen to follow in the footsteps of Moses. Moses had led a whole nation out of captivity, and had been used by God to do repeated wonders and miracles. Now it was Joshua’s turn to lead, and God’s words of encouragement to Joshua were that he was to be strong and courageous. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
I’ve discovered, as Joshua no doubt did, that to be truly strong in every circumstance it’s wise to understand that our strength will eventually run out, whereas God’s strength does not. He is the one that has it all under control, and says it’s going to be all right. He is the one who calms the storm, silences the noise, and who makes a way where previously there was no way.
God asks for us to be strong; but not just in our own strength, but in His strength and in the power of His might. He wants us to draw and rely on His supernatural strength and ability to live our lives. Because when we do that our lives suddenly have the limits taken off. The impossible becomes possible, and the weakest person becomes strong.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”(Ephesians 6:10)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
With God we don’t have to have all the answers, or handle and be strong in everything we face all by ourselves. In the very hardest times of my life where death, lack and disappointments have threatened to “take me out”, I’ve discovered that I don’t have to struggle through circumstances alone. God says that we gain and renew our strength when we wait on Him and ask for His help and assistance. He promises that, “He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigourous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Today, don’t feel like you have to go through the day striving and stressing, attempting to do everything all by yourself, when right there for the asking is all the strength you will ever need. Wait on God, take the time to learn His way of doing things, and rest assured in the knowledge that He has all the ability and strength you’ll ever need. You just have to wait and ask Him for it.
Prayer: Lord please help me to not be afraid or discouraged, but strong and courageous, because you are with me wherever I go. Thank you for your supernatural strength and ability flowing through me today. In Jesus name Amen.