August 07, 2024
You discover God's attributes as you need them. You may not comprehend the depth of God’s provision until you find yourself in physical need. His care becomes real to you when you are hurting and desperate for His tender shepherding. These parts of God's nature become real and precious as you experience them and, once experienced, you never see God quite the same.
HIS STRENGTH
I’ve been through a few years of physical problems that have taken my strength and stamina. Because of multiple problems, one of which was persistent anemia, I spent many days with little energy … and I had much to do. I couldn’t just quit and sit down when there were important ministry demands.
In these years, I have learned of the inexhaustible supply of God’s strength. He IS my strength; He is all I need whenever I need it. His strength has become one of the things I praise Him for most frequently. I have even, by God's grace, been able to "glory in my weakness" because of the fresh experiences of God's power. I would not compare my situation to Paul’s thorn in the flesh, but I can fully resonate with his conclusions, and I say amen when he wrote the following:
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
DAVID'S WEAKNESS
David understood this as he was surrounded by enemies, often greater in number and stregth.
Your God has commanded your strength; show Yourself strong, O God, who have acted on our behalf … the God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! (Psalm 68:28,35)
This is not merely a nice poetic statement about God; it is a present reality for all who seek His empowerment in times of need. Over and over again now, for several years, I have prayed, “Lord, I have no strength to do what is needed. But you live in me. Would you be my strength? Fill me with Yourself and flow through me in power, and I will be careful to give You the glory for what You have done.” He can provide physical, emotional, spiritual, relational strength … you name it, He has it!
I’m not trying to be overly dramatic, but truthful. He has never failed to answer that prayer. I may be at a slower pace. I may need different kinds of rest than I needed in my 30s, but when strength is required and God is trusted, He is mighty within us. He is our strength and salvation … and He is always enough.
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