06/26/2021
As we humble ourselves in our faith it is easy to forget that this requires us to be strong. Those who are in the world look at humility and strength as being diametrically opposed, but nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus stood in strength before Pilot, and yet He did so in silent confidence. Are we strong enough in our lives to stand in quiet defiance against the forces of evil that come against us, and the sin that tempts us every day? Do we ask God to strengthen us in our love, character, resolve, and in every way, and thing, with which we serve Him?
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10 ESV
There are so many occasions in a Christian’s life in which he feels challenged or faces an obstacle that requires the strength of God for him to overcome it. In times like this our opponents might think we are weak, and can be easily overcome, when nothing could be further from the truth because we wield the strength of God.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV
When I was s boy in the 1950s, and 60s, my father was a military officer, and my family moved from military post to military post every two or three years. This meant that I was entering new schools, neighborhoods, and established social hierarchies quite often. Whenever a boy is inserted into a group of children he must find his place within it. For boys on a military base this often meant that a fight(s), was in the offing. So yes… there were times when I had to fight the school bully, or against some kid in the neighborhood.
“and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’”
Deuteronomy 20:3-4 ESV
People react to stressful situations differently; for me my hands would begin to shake when I became stressed or mad, and the shorter my fuse burned, the more pronounced my shaking became. Quite often a bully or pushy boy who desired to exert his dominance over me would think that my shaking was a sign of fear… but that was a dangerous misdiagnosis of the situation. I was like a spring that was being placed under great tension, and if they were not careful that spring would release itself in a sudden, and violent, burst of power. Then, in an uncontrollable outburst of fists and shouting, they would have to face a rage that had not counted on. They had mistakenly seen weakness where there was actually strength. Later, as I grew more mature, and became a Christian, I was able to control myself, and the outward signs of weakness that others had previously misconstrued as real weakness were constrained by the power, and strength, of God in me.
““You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Matthew 5:38-39 ESV
This is an example of God providing me with physical strength, and then later with the more appropriate strength to resist my natural desire to defend, or exert myself, but He strengthens us in so many other ways too. God gives us the strength to overcome our fear of loving someone, the strength of resolve we need to wait upon Him, a strength of faith that will sustain us, the strength to resist temptation, to face evil, to humble ourselves, to persevere, and so many other needs in our lives when our strength is not enough, and we need His help.
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:9-10 ESV
So what in your life do you need God’s strength to help you with right now? Do you want to love someone but find yourself afraid of their rejection? Maybe some bully is pushing you around or threatening you, and you are afraid to turn the other cheek. Or perhaps you are facing a sinful temptation that seems overpowering, and too strong for you to handle alone. Whatever the situation you find yourself in we serve a mighty God of great power and strength. He will defend you and strengthen you in ways that you can’t begin to imagine, but are you calling on Him? Are you praying “Father give me the strength to __________”, and then expecting to receive His help?
“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:1-2 ESV
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for providing us with your strength as we face the many challenges in our lives. We thank you for the strength to overcome, and the greater strength we need to let go of our hardships. We thank you for going with us into the battles in our lives, and for those times when you tell us to stand still as you go before us, and confront our enemies for us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God, and our strong tower. Great are you in might, and your strength overcomes every obstacle. You remove the fears we have in love, and every other uncertain event, or feeling of emotion in our lives. We praise you for the strength of faith that you have given us, and the additional strength you add to it with each passing day. You are merciful Lord, and often confront our hardships for us. Your grace knows no limit to its strength, and is mighty as it lifts us above our human frailties. Jesus prayed for your cup to be removed from Him, and in response you sent an Angel to strengthen Him. Strengthen us in conformance with your will, and wash us in the blood of Jesus to perfect us in Him. Give us the strength of faith needed to serve you, obey you, and to do those things that you command of us, but most of all pour your grace over us, and make us worthy in judgement as we call out for renewed strength and righteousness that will lead us into eternity.
“I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”
Psalm 18:3-6 ESV
Rich Forbes