March 27, 2022
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. NLT
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. II Corinthians 12:9. NLT
I had the privilege of attending the United Conference For Women for over twenty-five years. My sisters Cheryl and Margaret as well as my sister-in-law Angie attended on one or two occasions. I can remember the very large banner above the Dias that read “DAILY STRENGTH FOR DAILY NEEDS.” It has been years since I attended, and I can remember some of the biblical truths that assisted in grounding me in my Christian faith helping me to navigate the craziness of life.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation when you needed God’s Strength? I was able to have a glimpse of what the Apostle Paul recorded regarding one of God’s promises which says, “My grace is sufficient for you; my power is made perfect in weakness.” I am a witness to that promise when I found my husband not breathing and several days later he passed away. Also, in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, he also said “we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. Now I won’t say I understood it all at the time; however, I experienced His grace being sufficient, and HIS power made perfect my weakness.
In the Word of God, strength is often linked to God’s power. His infinite power is the source of strength for those who belong to Him. The Greek word katei means “power, strength, might.” The word strength and its derivatives are mentioned over 360 times in the Bible, applying to both natural and supernatural strength. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us as Believers in Christ we are to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
We Have Access To His Strength
Because God’s Word is Life, there is strength in His word. We gain our strength not only through knowledge of what God has told us but also in the steadfastness of our faith in God and in the knowledge that God keeps His promises. With the word of God in our hearts, we will find strength when we face an adverse world. With His strength, we are overcomers. My father was my Pastor for the majority of my young adult life. Being reared and exposed to the Word of God created an atmosphere and love for God’s Word. Growing up in church and moving to Michigan over 40 years ago, I was so blessed to be a part of sound biblical teaching as well as getting to know wonderful women of God who were grounded in the faith~ Wilma, Hazel, Ruby, and Brenda. Bible College and later Seminary help me to know how to read and research the Word of God contextually and later interpret and apply that knowledge into my daily life and walk with God. Now, let me say that I did not always get this life walk right; however, I knew how to run to God’s Word for instructions, the comfort of His Spirit, wisdom, and draw from His strength. We gain our strength not only through knowledge of what God has told us but also in the steadfastness of our faith in God and in the knowledge that God keeps His promises.
The Prophet Isaiah told the people of God in Chapter 41 verse 10. He reminded them not to be afraid, for He was with them; that they were not to fear because He is their God. He told them I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. That was to say that they were to keep the faith in God’s promise and His righteousness would sustain them in times of trial and trouble. Halleluiah! This promise holds true today for all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. God is faithful and I have never read anything saying He would revoke that promise. However, He did say, I am the vine, you are the branches apart from Me you can do nothing.
We Have Strength Through Faith
We also gain HIS strength in knowing that we are, through faith, filled with God. When we place our full trust and faith in Him and strive to live by His will then we are filled with God’s fullness. The psalmist records in Psalm 118:14, “The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” ESV. This verse is an exact quote from Exodus 15:2, part of Moses’ victory song after crossing the Red Sea.
A STRONG ♥️ HEART the Psalmist David in Psalm 18:1, repeats the sentimentality, “I love you, LORD, my strength.” I am getting it! God will bring to pass any promise that He has made. The important thing is that we remember that in His keeping of a promise is that it is not intended to be kept for our sake or in our timing but for the sake of the Kingdom of God and will come to pass in His timing ONLY. When life looks really crazy, I often remember what my father said to me years ago, “daughter, God does not need your HELP!” I am really learning that He does not even need my consultation. I am learning how to talk to HIM asking a question without questioning HIM! God gives us the strength to mature in HIM.
FATHER GOD: Thank You that we can be assured by your Word when we step out on faith, we can experience your mighty power, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.