GOD GIVES US STRENGTH
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Have you ever heard of Jonas Rantanen of Finland? In 2011, Jonas did something no one else had ever done. He lifted a weight of 1,268 pounds. Today he still holds that record. Weightlifters like Jonas train for many years to achieve such success.
The Bible tells of several strong people. Samson tore apart a lion, killed a thousand Philistines with the skull of a donkey, carried the gates of a city on his back, and pulled down a stone building. David was another exceptionally strong man. As a shepherd he rescued his sheep from a lion and a bear. David once prayed: “You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet” (2 Samuel 22:40).
Muscle strength isn’t the only strength. As children of God we need strength to live from day to day, strength to say no to temptation, and strength to fight against the devil’s schemes. That strength also takes training. Reading God’s Word and praying each day builds up our spiritual strength. The Bible says: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). And again it says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10). We know that if God is on our side, there is no one who will be victorious over us because God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
We all have weaknesses in our lives. We all have habits that are hard to break or give up. Some of us fall to the temptation of lying while others have a weakness for stealing or taking God’s name in vain. Whatever the weakness is, God has promised to give us the strength to fight against it. There will never come a temptation that is too great for God to help us fight. Then we can rejoice and say with the apostle Paul: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
As we go through our walk today, we must remember to keep the Lord close to our side, and call on him whenever we need strength. With his help we will accomplish something far greater than just lifting 1,268 pounds. We will push Satan and his wickedness away from us.
Dearest Lord God, how can we begin to thank you for giving us strength when we are weak. We are sinful children, and often doubt your power. Forgive our doubts and help us realize that you always keep your Word. In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer