The first condition to spiritual maturity is to put God first (Matthew 6:33). The second condition is to acknowledge our weaknesses and God’s strength. Occasionally we may experience failure and discouragement. But the scriptures remind us of the Christian’s true source of strength. We see the promise of God’s strength throughout scripture. In all the trials and challenges we face, God’s presence can sustain us.

HIS STRENGTH — “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” –Philippians 4:13. As we memorize this verse we can boldly claim the Lord’s strength for every challenge and opportunity in our daily life.

First we must understand some things we can’t do apart from God’s strength.

We can’t find victory over our battles of addiction, guilt, bitterness and stress. We can’t raise our children to have the character and likeness of Jesus. We can’t mend our broken marriages. We can’t easily forgive others. We can’t acquire the patience to stand still and let God move in our lives. We can’t exercise self control that we may receive the power to resist temptation. We don’t have the strength to experience joy, peace, and contentment no matter what our situation.

“I CAN DO EVERYTHING . . .”

In fact, John 15:5 tells us “without me you can do nothing”. God also explains that He is the vine, the source of our strength. He further teaches us the prerequisite, if we will abide in Him through the Word, and surrender and be obedient to it, we will grow our spiritual fruits. I especially love the fruits of joy, peace, and contentment no matter what our situation.

MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul tells how God put a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble. He ask God three times to take it from him. Some suggest that it was malaria, epilepsy, or a disease of the eyes. This was a hindrance to his ministry, and he prayed for its removal but God refused. It kept Paul humble, reminded him of his need for constant contact with God, and benefited those around him as they saw God at work in his life.

Paul’s response comes in verse 10. “Since I know it is for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about ‘the thorn’, and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties: for when I am weak, then I am strong – the less I have, the more I depend on him.

When we are strong in abilities or resources, we are tempted to do God’s work on our own, and that leads to pride. When we are weak, when we allow God to fill us with his power then we are stronger than we could ever be on our own. We must depend on God – only work done in his power makes us effective for him and has lasting value.

In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul encouraged Timothy who was timid and afraid to answer the call to preach, explaining the three gifts available to all Christians. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and love, and of a sound mind”. Strength, love and wisdom.

“. . . THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH”

David stated in both Psalm 18:1 & 2 That the Lord was his strength.

OUR STRENGTH IS IN OUR JOY –

Moses stated in Exodus 15:2 that the Lord was his strength and his joy.

When I get down and out I turn to Nehemiah 8:10 where the people openly wept when they heard God’s laws read to them for the first time and realized how far they were from obeying them. Ezra quickly explained, through the Word you will learn to live a life pleasing to God. Go about your way, neither be you sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Verse 12 explains their joy and strength came because they understood what Ezra explained to them. “And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth (joy), because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.”

When we understand these words we will find strength, joy, a desire to give to the needy and to tell others about Jesus.

Finally, according to Ephesians 3:16-19, God strengthens us by the Holy Spirit that we received at the moment we were born again. And as a result of this strengthening process we may know how deep God’s love is and be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

HIS STRENGTH — “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” –Philippians 4:13. As we memorize this verse we can boldly claim the Lord’s strength for every challenge and opportunity in our daily life.

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Author: Ray Turner — Retired school teacher from Oklahoma State University’s School of Technical Training “Communications”. Website dedicated to encourage and teach others to find God’s gifts in their life, and to use them to bring others to Christ. http://thebridgetochurch.com/

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