The Strength of God

“…strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy”.  Colossians 1:11 (NKJV)

It’s only right that we should begin with this scripture.  Why?  Well, because it is only through the God of all Majesty that we have anything, especially our strength.  Some of us may feel as if we don’t have enough strength, or we desire more to get through whatever situation we may be facing, never realizing that God has already equipped us.

In 1999, my mother was diagnosed with Chiari, a disease that affects the nerves in her brain stem.  The surgeries she underwent taxed our family in more ways that I can count and there were very real moments that we weren't sure if she’d be with us the next day.  Though she tried to hide it, I knew she suffered.  Her eyes portrayed a tiredness I’d never seen before, her body had betrayed her and was slowly and methodically giving up hope.  The woman I thought could handle anything was clinging to life, never letting up in her faith.  Yet, there was a strength hovering about her in such a way that seemed to carry her through this season of her life.  I so longed to be that strong, or to display that kind of strength in my own life.  I would find myself crying out to God to send it to me.

I knew enough about the Word of God to know that in it, He tells us that He has already given us the strength we need to face any battle or circumstance that finds its way into our lives.  Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  In Isaiah 41:10, we see, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  

There are countless more reminders of God’s strength in our lives but a funny thing happens when the battle comes.  I always seemed to forget what God had said.  I would find myself faced with a tremendous worry and automatically declare, ‘I can’t do this.’ Or ‘I’m not strong enough, God.’ 

I’m sure you've heard the saying, ‘God won’t give you more than you can bear.’  This is what well-meaning people tell others when it comes to situations like this.  But, did you also know that this saying is not from the bible?

There is a scripture that is similar to this in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Paul is reminding his readers in this scripture that God will not allow his children to be tempted beyond their abilities.  In other words, there is no temptation that you should feel you are powerless against.  In Paul’s mind, there is no temptation on earth that you are not strong enough to withstand.     

Why do I mention this?  Well, because this ‘bumper sticker Christianity’ has to stop. 

So often, we find our bodies riddled with cancerous diseases, or a mother find that her children have been brutally shot at school.  When we approach these situations with a quip about God giving us these tragedies in our lives because He knows we can handle it, well, it makes God seem a little psychotic. 

Things happen.  Tragedies occur.  We see details of this all through scripture.

 

“Brothers and sisters, we don’t want you to be unaware of the troubles that we went through in Asia. We were weighed down with a load of suffering that was so far beyond our strength that we were afraid we might not survive.” (2 Corinthians 1:8 CEB)

“We were weighed down with a load of sufferings that was so far beyond our strength that we were afraid we might not survive.”  That is quite different from saying “God didn't give us any burdens we couldn't bear.”

And elsewhere in scripture we find similar sentiments.  

In the Psalms:

“I’m worn out, completely crushed; I groan because of my miserable heart.” (Psalms 38:8 CEB)

“My wrongdoings are stacked higher than my head; they are a weight that’s way too heavy for me.” (Psalms 38:4 CEB)

Throughout scripture, we encounter people overwhelmed by what befalls them.  And lest we forget, this applies to Jesus, too, who dies in agony on the cross, crying out “My God, My God, why have you left me?”

I want you to see and realize that what we face today is no different than what the pillars of the Bible faced.  Life is hard. 

But God…

He’s our answer.  Since God in all His loving majesty freed us from the bondage of sin, we can now grab a hold of the answer – it’s waiting to manifest itself in our lives.

Maybe you already know this.  That’s great!  But there’s so many of us who are well-intentioned and really have a heart to know more of God that simply hasn't realized this point.  If you’re one of those, then you’re normal, and it’s okay.  Just know that now the choice is in your hands.  Now that you know the truth, will you learn to grasp this God given power of strength to be made manifest in your own life? 

This verse says it clearly.  You are strengthened with all might.  In other words, you have been empowered in the activating dynamic of God’s strength.  God’s strength!  Not your mom’s strength or your sister’s, but God’s!  It’s already been done, you've already been given it and there’s nothing you can do about it.  The only thing you need to do is tap into it.

How, you say?  Well, I thought you’d never ask. 

The other part of that scripture reads, ‘for all patience and longsuffering with joy.”  There are going to be times that these are going to seem like just words to you.  You’re going to see and remember that God gives you His strength but a circumstance may arise that proves too much to bear.  Who really enjoys ‘longsuffering’ and who really endures it with joy?

Knowing that God has already made His mind up about us is being constantly aware that He will enable us to be strong when the time or need arises.  We will be able to supernaturally show courage in the face of turmoil and we can be steadfast in joy.  The peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7), will prominently display itself in our lives. 

It may not be easy.  There may be some things you need to change about yourself; your thought life plays a huge role in your success in any endeavor. 

Realize today who you are.  You are God’s beloved.  You have been given strength to endure any circumstance or foe that may appear in your life.  You do not rely on you to provide your own strength; instead you are being empowered continually by the Creator of All, the God on High, and the Mighty Abba Father.  

In His strength, you will sail through troubles with your heart at peace in the outrageous love of Christ, knowing that no enemy can take away the joy He floods into your spirit.

Let the supernatural, all-encompassing strength of God be your background music today.   Rock on.