12/15/2021
The apostle Paul worked tirelessly to teach and spread the good news of Jesus Christ, and many of us today owe our salvation, and eternal lives, to those seeds he planted, but even Paul would have grown tired in this effort had he not been infused with the energy of Jesus. The most gratifying tasks in our lives can grow wearisome over time, or by sheer exhaustion as our strength is sapped by the heavy lifting, or aging. Are we as energetic in our faith today as we once were? Do we feel weary and depleted, as day after day we go out into the world to spread the gospel message? Well we should look to the Lord as we struggle to walk on… asking for His energy to powerfully work in us, and the wisdom needed to make our efforts more efficient.
“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
Colossians 1:28-29 ESV
Jesus needed strength as he prayed in the Garden, and and angel was sent to strengthen Him. Paul needed strength as he traveled and faced the many trials that came as a result of his calling, and we need strength as we go about our lives of faith; answering our individual calls. There is something more we see in each of these examples… they have no end! Jesus is still the Christ. Paul’s ministry continued to his death, and beyond as witnessed by the fruit of his labor in us, and our callings are meant to last lifetimes.
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.”
1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV
So as we answer our lifelong callings we think that we know the moment they were given to us, and that at some point they will have an end. We think that there is a certain amount of effort we will need to place into these duties, or that when our strength is depleted we will be released, but in truth our calling was given before the world began, and our strength is never ending in Jesus. So our calling was prepared for us before the ages began…
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”
2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV
And they continue on throughout our lives, and beyond into eternity.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
Romans 11:29 ESV
To maintain our commitment to that which we have been called takes the same degree of effort that God asks of us when He commands us to love Him. It takes all of our heart, soul, and mind; then it takes one more thing… all our strength. We tend to read right past the word strength thinking it is not significant, but it is… when our strength is depleted all of the others suffer. So read the great commandment again and consider the effect that exhaustion can have on your faith.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
Mark 12:30 ESV
So God circumcises our heart, he redeems our souls, he provides us with wisdom for our minds, and equally as important as these, He strengthens us in body, mind, and soul to perform all that He has called us to do. Listen as Isaiah speaks of strength…
“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV
So our strength is renewed by the Lord. In old age our bodies might not be as strong as when we were young, but we are strengthened none the less, and we answer our calling all the same.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV
How is our strength today? Are we feeling tired, and unable to answer God’s call as we once did? Are we exhausted physically and think we are failing? Is our faith suffering because we have grown weak in some way? Well ask God for strength, and ask Jesus to infuse us with His energy. Then watch as we are renewed, perhaps regaining our past strength, but it could very well be that our renewal comes in ways we had never considered, as we are allowed to continue on in an invigorated, and robust, faith.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the strength and energy you provide us with as we answer your call, and obey your will. Thank you for opening a new door whenever we become too weak, weary, or physically unable to enter the one you first called us through. Just as you prepared us, even before you made your calling apparent to us, walk with us now as we live out our earthly lives, and provide us strength, energy, and various direction as we do your bidding. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is steadfast in your will, and never revokes the calling and gifts you give us. Praised be your name as we expend the energy of our youth in your service, and hear our constant prayers as we thank you for providing us with wisdom, and a redirected strength as we grow weary, or aged. Wonderful are you our God who encourages us, and sends angels to strengthen us. Merciful are you who blesses us so mightily, even giving power to a whispered voice when we can no longer shout your name. Your grace is sufficient for us, and the blood of Jesus strong enough to free not only us, but all of the world from sin and death. Judge us worthy in Christ as we spread the gospel, and answer your call as we do so. Mighty are you, and great your calling, that leads us, and fills us with an everlasting love for you. Seat us at your table to dine with you, and feed us the manna of your Word forevermore.
Rich Forbes