STRENGTH FOR THE DAY

OUR STRENGTHS OFTEN GET IN THE WAY OF TRUSTING GOD. Genesis 49:1-28 - In the middle of his prophecy to Dan, Jacob exclaimed, “I trust in you for salvation, O Lord.” He was emphasizing to Dan that he would be a strong leader only if his trust was in God, not in his natural strength or ability. Those who are strong, attractive, or talented often find it easier to trust in themselves than in God who gave them their gifts. Remember to thank God for what you are and have so that your trust does not become misplaced.

GOD WANTS US TO APPRECIATE STRENGTH WITHOUT BECOMING SELF-SUFFICIENT. Judges 7:1-25 - Self-sufficiency is an enemy when it causes us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength. To prevent this attitude among Gideon’s soldiers, God reduced their number from thirty-two thousand to three hundred. With an army this small, there could be no doubt that victory was from God. The men could not take the credit. Like Gideon, we must recognize the danger of fighting in our own strength. We can be confident of victory only if we put our confidence in God and not our self.

WE CAN DEPEND ON GOD AS OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH. Isaiah 40:25-31 - Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. When you feel all of life crushing you, and you cannot go another step, remember that you can call upon God to renew your strength. Hoping in the Lord means expecting that his promise of strength will help us to rise above life’s distractions and difficulties. It also means trusting God to fulfill this promise found in his Word.

OUR STRENGTHS ARE ACTUALLY A POINT OF SPIRITUAL VULNERABILITY. Luke 4:1-13 - Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission. When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God. To avoid this trap, we must realize that all our strengths are God’s gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service.

STRENGTH FOR DAY WITH GOD’S WORD:
A weightlifter’s strength is defined by the number of pounds lifted. The strength of a building is measured by its resistance to external forces exerted by wind or earthquake. The strength of a corporation is often defined by its net assets. But what is spiritual strength? The Bible teaches that spiritual strength involves the power to lift burdens, a foundation deep enough to resist external pressure, and the security of unlimited resources. A life transformed by the gospel of Christ is evidence of God’s power.

HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE THE STRENGTH OF GOD IN MY LIFE? Isaiah 40:29-31 - Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. God promises to renew our strength as we depend on him in trusting expectation. The power of the Resurrection is experienced by all who trust Christ for salvation.

HOW CAN I BECOME STRONGER IN MY FAITH? Jude 1:20 - Continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.

Nehemiah 8:10 - The joy of the Lord is your strength!

Isaiah 40:29, 31 - He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. . .But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. God supplies power to the weak.

When we step out in faith we begin to experience God’s power. We grow stronger through the mutual encouragement and accountability of other believers.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. God gives you the strength to mature.
PJ