When the subject of spiritual strength is raised, our thinking often turns in one of two directions. Either we consider how we can muster up our own strength, or we dwell on our own weakness, doubting that adequate strength can ever be found. Well, it is clear from the Scriptures that God does not expect mere human strength to be sufficient for our spiritual callings.
"We need not say of [Christ] that he is good, for he is essential goodness. He is not only loving but love." - Charles Spurgeon
God always gives more, never less, than we ask -
Octavius Winslow
“Remember this, that your life is short, your duties many, your assistance great, and your reward sure; therefore faint not, hold on and hold up, in ways of well-doing, and heaven shall make amends for all.” ~ Thomas Brooks
Part of our calling as believers in Christ is passing on to others the biblical truths that God has taught us. "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipling others in God's truth can be demanding and discouraging. Strength is needed. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
The peace of God is a miracle. There are moments when we experience God’s peace when it’s not logical, rational, or even emotionally plausible. But it happens. And it is beyond understanding.
“The storm was raging. The sea was beating against the rocks in huge, dashing waves. The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, and the wind blew; but the little bird was sound asleep in the crevice of the rock, its head tucked serenely under its wing. That is peace: to be able to sleep in the storm! In Christ we are relaxed and at peace in the midst of the confusion, bewilderments, and perplexities of this life. The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest. We have found peace—at last!” —Billy Graham
~ John Wallace Suter (1859–1942), Adapted
Set free, O Lord, the souls of Your servants from all restlessness and anxiety. Give us that peace and power which flow from You. Keep us in all perplexity and distress, that upheld by Your strength and stayed on the rock of Your faithfulness, we may abide in You now and forevermore.
~ Francis Paget (1851–1911)
To You alone, O Jesus, I must cling; running to Your arms, dear Lord, there let me hide, safe from all fears, loving You with the tenderness of a child.
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897)
You say that if I give You my burdens, You will take care of me. You say that I should cast all my cares upon You,
because You love me, because You can handle them all, and because it shows my faith in You.
A burden that is heavy enough to sink me is as light as a feather to You. A fear that can paralyze me has no power over You.
So I unload it all before You and hand it over for You to manage. I put my trust in You — not in my perspective or resources. You can do anything, God! I will not be afraid, because You are my King and Father. You are with me, and You are for me. You accept me as I need You and rely on You, and You walk with me now and always. You will strengthen me for whatever comes.
~ St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
Everything I could be worrying about right now, I’m praying about instead. My concerns could take over my mind all day and seize my heart with despair.
But instead, I’m taking those thoughts captive and turning to You. I want to make my mind obedient to You, the Truth. I tell You what I need and hope for, then let the matters rest in Your hands. I rejoice that I belong to You, and You are a good Father. You’ve provided before, and You will again. I realize my situation is an exercise in faith training, an opportunity to trust You and give You glory. Now, Holy Spirit, the Great Helper, give me self-control throughout this day and help me fix my thoughts where You want them. May I find the good all around me? May I fill my mind with what’s right and pure— “the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” May I dwell on—and give power to—what is true. May I find even simple things to delight in? Help me choose joy; choose hope; choose peace.
These are strange and difficult times around the world. It’s human and normal to feel fear and anxiety. But, our prayers reach the throne of Heaven! God is listening. Tell Him your thoughts and concerns. He is working on your behalf even before you utter a word!
the Word of God, the Bible. It tells us what to do when a society unravels. And what we need today in America—and around the globe—is a far-reaching, Heaven-sent revival.
A real revival isn’t something that we start or stop; it’s something that God supernaturally does.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln said, “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. . . . But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.”
We are to set aside our own aims, goals, ambitions, and desires in life, giving up our own wills. That is what it is to follow Jesus.
“The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. No man is greater than his prayer life.” —Leonard Ravenhill
Nothing is so strong as true gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as true strength. ~
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Grace is the face that love wears when it meets imperfection. ~
Joseph R. Cooke
Social media is an angry place, isn’t it? Starting today, let’s put on the gentleness of the Lord. Let’s be the ones to de-escalate online and off. When something starts to get heated, let’s be the face of the love of Jesus!
"Our murmuring is the devil's music." -
Thomas Watson.
We need to be alone with Him daily; we should give one hour out of the twenty-four, and specially set it apart to get acquainted with God.
D.L. Moody
"A sinner can no more repent & believe without the Holy Spirit's aid than he can create a world." -Charles Spurgeon.
You are as much serving God in training your own children, as you would be if you lead an army to battle for the Lord.
Charles Spurgeon.
When any burden is upon the heart, prayer gives vent, it eases the heart. -
Thomas Watson
Never be afraid or intimidated to say, “the Bible says…” Scripture is our final authority.
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