Do You Need Strength?

I’ve begun weight training this week. Don’t be too impressed; I’ve only just started, and I’m not doing it gleefully! But, I know it’s good for my muscles, and the truth is I do need strength. Here’s the thing: I need physical strength, but I also need emotional and spiritual strength. I’m guessing you do as well. Weariness pervades our culture. Weariness from the intense news reports each night, weariness from living in a divided and increasingly polarized culture, weariness from a society moving more post-Christian by the day.

Where do we find strength?

The disciples felt weary as well. They were exhausted after the emotional turmoil of the death and resurrection of Jesus. I wonder if they remembered the conversation they had with Jesus the days before the crucifixion when He said, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).

When the disciples met Jesus in Galilee right before His ascension, He gave them their final marching orders, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Whew! What a challenging task! Where would the strength come from? The Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised that when He would leave He would not leave them as orphans. He would leave the Spirit to be with them and in them. The same holds true for your life and mine.

When you need strength, remember these promises…..

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would empower you. He equips you to do the task Jesus calls you to. He is the One who enables us to do all God calls us to do – He is the one who empowers (Acts 1:8).

Jesus promised His Spirit would lead you into all truth. When you feel confused because truth is shifting all around you, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit will lead you to all truth and strengthen you to remain faithful (John 16:13-14).

Jesus promised His Spirit would comfort you. When you feel exhausted from the sorrow of living in a fallen world, it is the Holy Spirit who brings comfort (John 14:15-18).

Jesus promised that His Spirit would make His strength perfect in our weakness. In other words, we don’t have to strive to be strong. Our weakness is the perfect portal for His strength to show off. When we’re weak, we actually bring Him great glory (2 Corinthians 12:8).

Prayer for Strength

Lord Jesus, sometimes life is hard and I feel so weak and weary. I praise You that You promised Your Spirit would indwell and empower me, lead me into truth, comfort me, and turn my weakness into Your strength. Holy Spirit, fill me now I pray. Encourage my heart and strengthen my soul so that Christ will be glorified in my life today.

Purchase Becky’s Book – Psalms for the Anxious Heart: A 30-Day Devotional for Uncertain Times here.

About the Author

Becky Harling is an author, speaker, mentor, and lover of Jesus Christ. She inspires and gives women the tools to awaken hope so that they become more resilient in the face of life’s hurts, confident in the face of life’s challenges, and joyful in any life circumstance.

Bio & Posts