“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.”
Isaiah 40:29 (ESV)
Series Focus: “Through His Eyes”
Eat your veggies, exercise, get enough sleep, and you will grow up to be strong! Hmmm, how about two out of three? Our world paints a picture of the attributes strong people possess. Muscles, job success, intelligence, boldness, and even the ability to hold back tears in times of trouble, are all possible descriptions. With a swish of the brush those who may be gentle, humble, peaceful, quiet, or able to cry at commercials, may be portrayed as powerless, feeble even.
What do you think? How would you define “strong?” Where does our strength truly come from? Can everyone have a strong life? Let’s jump into scripture:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
God is our help and our strength. We are strong, because He is strong. As we seek strength—finally realizing our limits, strongholds, sins, or pridefulness—we come face to face with Jesus, the very definition of strong. He is the strongest person we will ever meet, yet His mercy is endless. Have you met Him?
He was the son of a carpenter here on earth. There were no crowns of glory for Him here—only thorns. He is gentle and lowly of heart, but offered to carry our burdens and lighten our loads. He taught with authority, but grace poured from Him. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus and carried a cross to Calvary. And yet, He calls you strong. If you know Jesus, as your personal Savior, you will experience His strength in your life.
Moses led God’s chosen people out of bondage but Joshua led them to the promised land where they would find rest.
“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)
With God preparing the way, Joshua was strong. He led battle after battle and he was successful, because he knew where his strength came from. The Lord.
God is still leading people out of bondage. He reveals the truth over lies of the enemy, as He brings them into the light. He continues building us in His strength where we are weak.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
To have a strong life, we must know Jesus. Recognizing our need for Him, confessing our sins, and receiving forgiveness, is the first step in building that strength. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. As you spend time alone in prayer with God, you will learn to submit your thoughts, actions, and words to Him. You will not only read the Word of God but apply it everyday. Discipline and courage will increase. He will strengthen you in all ways. The way you walk through trials, hardships, or celebrations, all require strength. Ephesians 6:10 says:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Are you strong? Yes, you are. Through His eyes, He sees a mighty woman, ready to face her day with the strength of Jesus within her.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Isaiah 40:29; Psalm 121:1-2; Matthew 7:28-29; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10; Ephesians 6:10; Romans 3:23, 10:9-10
