~ by Mark Maulding
People often say, “He/She is a strong person” or “I’m a strong person.” How about you? What do you tell yourself and others?
What if God created us to be strong, not in ourselves but in the Lord? That’s precisely what He intended for each of us according to Ephesians 6:10,
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (NASB)
So, then, how can we be strong in the Lord?
First, let’s acknowledge that we are weak. Neither you nor I have the strength to be all we were created to be. If we don’t believe that, in time, we will. Our past, present, other people’s opinions, suffering, sins, failures, trauma, or inner stress let us know this. Second, God’s strength is much better for us to tap into, and it is His best for us.
Look at this perfect explanation in Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)
29 “Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.”
It’s encouraging to know that our God is so strong that He never gets tired and gives His strength to those who feel weak, tired, and exhausted. That includes you, me, and everyone. The word “trust” in verse 31 means to live dependent on the God who created the universe as your Strength because He is in us who believe in Jesus. Then, He uses three metaphors to help us understand what this is like. Eagles fly on the strength of the wind. Runners sometimes have the “runner’s high” and feel like they can run forever. Hikers who walk for miles can do so without passing out.
So, how do we live strong in the Lord and not ourselves? We talk to Him and tell Him repeatedly that we are choosing to live from His strength in us because Christ is in us.
Live Free In Christ,
Mark Maulding, President and Founder
www.GraceLifeInternational.com – Leading Christians Into the Life-Giving Power of God’s Grace
© Mark Maulding (But feel free to share this.)
Bestselling Author God’s Best-Kept Secret: Christianity Is Easier Than You Think – now available on AUDIO
