We seem to live in an age of perceived strength, we are so concerned with appearing strong and that we’ve got it all together. Yet, the Bible reminds us that we don’t have to be strong, we’re not strong and that’s okay – because “God’s power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
We are to find our strength in God’s strength, not in ourselves. We so often look within ourselves in a bid to become strong, to handle whatever life throws at us; but God wants us to come to him. He wants to hear the desperate cries of our hearts and meet us there, in the depths of despair. We so often put up a front with our family, with our friends or even with God that we can do this by ourselves – but that is not who God created us to be. He created us to be a community who love one another despite our weaknesses (and yes, everyone has them whether they’re willing to admit it or not). He created us to encourage and support one another. He created us to be fully dependent on Him.
Life can be hard - and we are weak, vulnerable human beings. For many of us this terrifies us. But God constantly reminds us in the Bible that He is for us, that He is with us and that He will never forsake us.
“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.
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will never fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Sometimes, we need to take a step back and remind ourselves that the God of the universe cares so deeply for each one of us and that he has bestowed his strength upon us, if only we will let him. Sometimes we wrestle with God, insisting that we don’t need him and that we’ve got this without Him. But I know in my experience, this never works – and I always come running back to God for forgiveness, guidance and strength. It is only through his strength that I can accomplish anything. His strength sustains me day by day.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
God dwells in us by his Spirit – never forget that this glorious source of strength lives within you!
By: Claire Acheson
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