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Strong

31 August 2019
‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’

When we read about the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 we discover that they shut the mouths of lions, administered justice, fulfilled promises, and even raised the dead. But in the middle of the account, we also find these words: ‘Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle’ (Hebrews 11:34 NIV). They started out weak and became strong. The strength didn’t come from themselves, it came from God. He’s the One who can take our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. He can use our weaknesses to advance His kingdom. Our weaknesses can make us feel like giving up or convince us that we’re not able to fulfil His calling on our lives, which then makes us feel ashamed. But actually our weaknesses give God an opportunity to show His power, and so they bring Him glory. The Bible says: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). When we feel weak, God promises to give us the strength we need. In Isaiah 40 it says: ‘He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak’ (v.29 NIV). God’s got a calling for each of us. Sometimes that calling utilises the gifts and skills that He’s given us. Other times, it’s so far out of our comfort zone that we have to rely completely on Him to equip us and give us strength. It’s in the times where we know we couldn’t possibly do what He’s asking in our own strength that we come to realise how gracious God is in giving us the strength to achieve the things He’s planned for us. And we can confidently say: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’

 

What Now?

If you’re feeling weak today, spend some time asking God to provide you with the strength you need.

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