Be Strong!
Be Strong!
When people tell you to “be strong,” do you sometimes want to answer back, “How can I be strong when I sometimes feel absolutely powerless?” Thankfully, an encouraging declaration is sung from the much-beloved hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” if we’re willing to believe this promise. In those moments when we feel our weakest, the Lord provides us “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” Well now, this is a beautiful sentiment, but how can we “mere mortals” gain access to that amazing power of God when the inevitable trials come our way? What prevents us from imploding under the barrage of flaming arrows?
Here’s what I learned to do. When the arrows seemed directed at me, I searched my Bible for Scripture passages to encourage me. For example, God reminds the physically afflicted apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9, that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And in response, Paul declares, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” This verse encourages us to be honest about our own limitations, since Jesus is willing and able to give us the strength we need for whatever comes our way.
The Old Testament teaches that the Lord Himself commanded the great warrior Joshua to “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). His word reminds us to be strong, especially when we are prone to fear. Isn’t it reassuring to know that our God, the God who sees us, is with us wherever we go? As invisible as He is to us on this side of Heaven, His very presence is real, powerful, and accessible when we place all our trust in Him.
Let us Walk in His Way.
Dear all-powerful God, we thank you for providing the strength we need in each moment of the day. We rejoice in that gift as did Nehemiah, when he proclaimed, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). He did not mean temporary happiness, but rather the deep peace that You provide for us during hard times, which then strengthens us to endure. Lord, please provide the strength we need when we feel powerless, stuck, or in despair. The apostle Paul blesses us in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Thank You, almighty God. Amen.
by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel
Author of “Walk in His Way” for
Carry the Light Ministries
