The Lord, my strength (pt.1)

The Bible showcased people with extraordinary strength. Noah built an ark, large enough to carry living beings. Moses, despite not being well with words was able to lead the Israelites out of Egypt to the promised land. Samson was gifted with physical strength. The Spirit of the Lord stirred him up and enabled him to defeat his enemies. Unfortunately, He did not make wise decisions most days of his life. Gideon was not born with innate strength but learned to trust God to give him the might he needed to win his battles. Faith kept Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego strong in the fiery furnace, the same faith kept them unharmed continually praising the one true God. Many other notable characters defeated giants, toppled kingdoms, ruled nations, and declared truth, all with weaknesses and excuses but God supplied them strength to triumph.

We know of men with supernatural abilities who withstood adversities. We look around and see the sustaining power of God. Daily we wrestle with physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual struggles, but manage them with just the right push to finish. Little wins like successfully getting up from bed, going to work, finishing a task or multiple tasks, or resisting the urge to give up to name a few. By Whose strength are we able to accomplish these? At the end of a long tiring day, we can reflect and be amazed at the tremendous strength God filled us with.

Strength in weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Weakness is something we wouldn't normally boast of. It means a lack of strength and hence will have little or no advantage. By acknowledging our flaws and deficiencies, we can turn our focus to God, His power, and the grace that is available to us. Even our frailty can be used to glorify Him, for our little strength can only do so much, and knowing this truth proves that all great things, noble and excellent we can complete because of Him.

When the Lord called Gideon through an angel to go and be the savior of Israel from the Midian, he didn't exactly think of himself as the "mighty man of valor". In reluctance, he responded “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” (Judges 6:15). God knew exactly the person He wanted for a specific task. How we see ourselves relative to the work is irrelevant, for God will give us the strength necessary to fulfill His purpose. And the Lord said to Gideon, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:16).

May our weakness be an open door for God to demonstrate His power through us. In our lack, may we be strengthened to give and our frailty of body be empowered to serve. May our discouragement be overcome by fortitude and in our sorrow be able to console, only by the power of Christ resting on us.

Strength to be still

Exodus 14:14

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

To be still in adversity is counterintuitive. The wait for an answer to prayer, a diagnosis, or a verdict can be draining. In all certainty, we need strength from the Lord. Yes, trying to keep the soul still is a conscious effort. My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!  (Psalm 119:28). When the strength we need is from the inside, God's word is our refuge. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Job’s life is far from fairytale. One moment everything was as it should be, the next thing he knew, life presented him with a seeming conundrum. He was described as blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil (Job 1:1). He was a man of wealth and influence until Satan tested his faith. He lost his loved ones, and his health, and pain took over his life. Though in deep grief and somewhat confusion, Job waited in stillness for God. He endured through the Lord’s sustaining grace, all the mocking and accusations. Realizing his standing before God, he humbled himself, and the Lord redeemed him.

God can sustain us in our trials. We can be silent and still, yet strengthened, ready for what’s ahead because our God is trustworthy. May you have the strength to be at rest when waves of life try to push you and drain your strength. May the peace of God keep you from falling, perhaps bent by the wind but never broken and uprooted in faith.

In grace & mercy