How to Be Strong

How to Be Strong

As I get older, I find it harder and harder to keep up my physical strength. Things I used to do with ease are not so simple anymore. For example, bending over to tie my shoes. I had made up my mind to start exercising again recently, but I found out that I’ve become allergic to it. My face turned all red, I got all sweaty and my heart started racing… it was not good.


But seriously, I do enjoy my weekly Yoga class. It’s amazing how an hour of exercise can help a person feel stronger and more flexible.


So, when you hear the word “strength,” what comes to your mind?


I immediately think of myself in my teens, twenties and even thirties. I think of working out, trips to the gym, protein powder and lifting weights. To be physically strong and fit is a fine goal, but there is a greater strength that is even more essential – a strength that can only be found in God. While our physical strength will decline as we get older, our spiritual strength can continue to increase until we take our last breath.


Dr. David Jeremiah wrote this, “From one end of the Bible to the other, we read of God’s strengthening His people,” He continues, “The psalmist says the righteous person is like a tree planted by streams of water. Just like a tree is nourished by the constant supply of water—without which, under the blistering sun, the tree would surely die—so the life that is rooted in the Word of God will also be established and will be strong.”


I believe that Godly strength trumps physical strength every time. But many people don’t really know all that much about achieving or maintaining spiritual strength. We give in to the mindset that we can never experience God’s strength. But don’t be fooled, God’s word never indicates that God wants His people to be weak. Humble definitely, but never weak.

Here are some Bible Verses about strength and faith that can help us:
1 Chronicles 16:11: “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”

Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord you God goes with you: He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Exodus 15:2: “The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”

Psalm 18:32: “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”


I believe that God wants us to meet today’s issues with the strength He gives us and as Dr. Jeremiah also said, “When the Word goes in, praise goes up, and faith goes out, God goes forth to strengthen His people.”


We’re all going to experience the decline and loss of physical strength at some point in our lives. We are also likely going to feel weak and vulnerable on a spiritual level, but God promises that if we go to Him in prayer, He’ll gently pick us up, dust us off and guide us on our way.


There are so many words of strength and encouragement in the Bible, but I particularly love how the Apostle Paul says it to the Galatians in chapter 2, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”


Be strong in faith, strong in love.
In Jesus’ Name,
Pastor Scott

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