Divine Strength versus Self Sufficiency
One of the things I have, and continue to find fascinating in our Christian faith is the celebration in the suffering. I love the verse, “As iron sharpen iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV). God refines us in the trials and tribulations. When we are brought to our knees, we turn to God and depend on Him completely. Our strength does not come from self, it is divine strength. Sometimes, we need a reminder. Sometimes we need to face evil in this world to be reminded that God overcomes it all.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). Jesus reminded the disciples that their grief will turn to joy. We are reminded that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”(2 Timothy 3:12, NIV). The Bible doesn’t say may be persecuted, it says we “will be persecuted”. The closer we get to God, the more we deliver His message to others and bring more to His word, the more we will get attacked. There is evil in this world, but take heart, God overcomes it all. It is in His strength that we rely, not our own. What greater news is there than that?
When these attacks happen, when darkness tries to pull you from God, hold steady. It is in those days that you open the bible even more, you read verse out loud, and you hold steady to your faith. You bow down in prayer and open your ears to hear God’s direction in your life. He is with you now, and always. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10, but as you read further, we are reminded that “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish” (Isaiah 41:11, NIV) Again, the Bible does not say some who oppose you, it says “those who oppose you will be nothing and perish”. Your enemy will perish all thanks to God. Never forget that. When you doubt, as you may when being attacked and battling darkness, bow down and pray and ask God for His divine strength and protection.
Today, I pray that if you are feeling attacked, if you are feeling alone, that you open up your Bible and seek Him first. Be prayerful and ask for God’s strength-He will overcome the world. We know how the story ends.
I pray if these words spoke to you that you share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
