12/02/2021
We serve the Lord and want to be a powerhouse of faith in doing so. As we go about our day praising Him, worshipping Him, witnessing to others, and living out our lives doing the will of God, how do we see ourselves? Do we fancy ourselves to be a mighty David, a brilliant Joseph, a tortured Paul, or maybe even a rock like Peter? Whoever we imagine ourselves to be as we follow Jesus, it requires great strength. Sometimes our strength must be physical, but more often it is in humility, leadership, preaching, teaching, endurance, or any of a variety of other gifts, but it is always in love, and faith. So, are we strong enough on our own? The answer is always, always, “NO!” But if that is true then are we lost? Is there an unseen well from which we can take a big drink of strength each day?
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10 ESV
Each of us experiences days that are more than challenging as we go through our carnal lives in the world, or spiritually answer God’s Calling for us while doing His will. In this way it is easy to reach the outer limits of our own strength and courage. When this happens what do we do? When the fear gets too great, the suffering too intense, or our own wisdom and knowledge fails us, what do we do? Where do we turn? Well, for the believer the answer is always, always, “Turn to the Lord!”
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Psalm 34:17-19 ESV
I pray often in intercession, and Years ago I had some very close friends who lost a child in an automobile accident. Though they were Christians, and strong in their faith, I wept for them, and wondered aloud in my prayers how God could ever strengthen them enough to bring them through this valley they found themselves in. I was distraught and felt unable to pray for them as I should. Have you ever tried to pray for someone who is broken, and found that your empathy for them was so strong that you needed the Lord to strengthen you before you could pray for them? In times such as this we have the Holy Spirit to strengthen us…
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Romans 8:26-27 ESV
It takes strong men and women of faith to help those who are facing challenges, are crushed, or teetering on the precipice of heartbreak. As my friends walked through the valley of the shadow of death concerning their child, I found myself in need too… I needed the strength of the Lord to bolster me as I walked with them in prayer without faltering. In this way the challenges in the lives of others can bleed over into ours as well; and we find ourselves asking if we are strong enough in such situations. Our answer is just like the one received by those we are praying for… Not without God.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:9 ESV
As I prayed for my friends something wonderful dawned on me about the 23rd Psalm… God doesn’t simply help us through the valleys… He is in them with us. Have you ever felt that you were alone in whatever valley you found yourself, and called out to God as if He wasn’t already there with you? Well, He is there, and His rod and His staff not only comfort us, but strengthen us as we realize His presence.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 ESV
Do we find ourselves in a valley today? Are we facing some hardship that has stretched us to our breaking point? Has the Lord asked us to do something that seems to be beyond our ability to accomplish? I dare say that most of us are, because that is how we are prompted to seek God, and His strength. If God’s calling for us doesn’t stretch us, or His will doesn’t seem unreachable, then we are not listening to Him. If our day to day problems, or great heartbreaks don’t bring us to our knees, then why would we ever open our hearts to Him and call out for His help, and strength?
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Take a big drink of strength from God’s well today. He is waiting there for each of us.
“and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.””
Psalm 50:15 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the storms, and valleys we find ourselves in because they bring us to your well of strength. Thank you for the empathy we feel for others Lord because as our hearts break for them we find ourselves calling on you to help us in our sorrow and prayers. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who walks with us through every valley, and strengthens us as we go. Praised be your name for setting the bar of Faith high, and then lifting us up to reach it. Help us each day Father as we struggle to accomplish your will, and as we traverse the valleys that threaten to break our spirits, hearts, bodies, and minds. Merciful are you when you bring light into the darkest of times, giving us the living water of your strength to encourage us, and see us through our great hardships. Wash us in the blood of Christ Lord God, and let your grace that flows through Jesus be sufficient for us… giving us eternal strength, and making us worthy in your eyes.
Rich Forbes