Strength #1—Greater Strength

Loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbors as ourselves, resisting the Devil, and building up the Body of Christ require strength—specifically, strength of both mind and heart. While God commands us to be strong in these endeavors, he also promises to provide what we need to strengthen our resolve. Additionally, he offers us examples of his empowering work. We can rely on him to equip us as we engage in the tasks he sets before us, especially when we doubt our ability to succeed. Reflecting on the following promises can help us strengthen our faith during moments when we feel weak and inadequate.

Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria and the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than those with him. He only has human strength, but Yahweh, our God, is with us, to help us and to fight our battles. 2 Chronicles 32:7–8

God loves it when we are underdogs! He loves it when we are surrounded, and our enemies seem to have the upper hand. He loves it when we are moved to cry, “We are powerless before this horde who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” He loves it when we remember “a horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.” For God watches to see who will call on him. God loves those who appeal to “the throne of grace for mercy, and for grace to help in time of need.” Because of Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us. So we say, “Greater is the one in us than the one in the world.” Because God is with us in this way, we can be strong. We can move out into the battle without fear of annihilation. Like David, we can go to the stream and pick up our five stones. Like Joshua, we can march around the walls of Jericho. Like Jesus, we can take up our crosses daily and confidently follow him into a hostile and needy world.

Gracious God, Creator of the whole earth, I take courage in your strength. The One who is in me is greater than he who is in the world, so I join the battle again today in his name.