How often our strength runs out! “The spirit is willing,” our Lord said bluntly, “but the body is weak” (Matthew 26:41). I know I’m not the only one who would utter a hearty “Amen” to that statement!
And yet, time and time again, Scripture reminds us of the supernatural strength that God gives to us to sustain us through life. Here are just a few verses to encourage you today:
The Lord will give strength to His people. (Psalm 29:11)
The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. (Psalm 68:35)
He gives strength to the weary. And to him who lacks might He increases power. (Isaiah 40:29)
I [the Lord] will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
With whom my hand will establish; my arm also will strengthen him. (Psalm 89:21)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
The strength of the Lord is a sustaining strength. What God is calling you to do this day, He is giving you the sustaining strength in which to do it. God never sends without supplying! Here is what Charles Spurgeon has to say about this strength:
The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee with daily strength. While He is able to uphold the universe, dream not that He will prove unable to fulfill His own promises.
Because God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore, you can count on His sustaining strength. God gave His sustaining strength to Joseph, who was in prison 13 years before God raised him up to lead His people Israel. God gave His sustaining strength to His people who were in bondage for over 400 years in Egypt. God gave His sustaining strength to Moses to lead the people out of bondage and through the wilderness for 40 years. God gave His sustaining strength to Daniel in the lion’s den and to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. God gave sustaining strength to Mary and Joseph as the earthly parents of the promised Messiah. God gave sustaining strength to Paul as he wrote much of the New Testament while in chains.
And God has given you all the sustaining strength you need to do all He is calling you to do! Never think for a single moment that God has changed over the centuries. His promises are yes and amen in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). God has brought you this far. Do you think He will stop short of accomplishing His purposes in you? Remember, Omnipotence cannot out-promise Himself; He is ready, willing, and able to ignite your fire of faith with a flame of sustaining strength that will never go out.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 