“Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” Psalm 18:35
Oxford Dictionary gives two descriptions for the word “strong.” 1. having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks. 2. able to withstand great force or pressure.
This description would suggest that for a person to be strong, they must dominate and outperform. However, we who love the Lord, understand the secret to true strength – to be strong, you must be willing to become weak. To be spiritually strong means to be empowered or to embrace empowerment from God.
Paul experienced some kind of disability that kept him from being all that he wanted to be for the Lord. We do not know what it was, but after asking the Lord to remove it three times, he submitted it to the Lord. He did not deny his feelings, but he did not let them control him.
II Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
When we face pressure of any kind, our strength comes from God alone. Consider the following scriptures:
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Psalm 118:14 “The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.”
Romans 15:1 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Psalm 29:11 “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”
I found this list of indicators of a strong spirit:
You are assured and confident.
You are established and immovable.
You are ready for anything.
You have an overcomer’s attitude.
You do not give up and you NEVER quit.
You exhibit the fruit of the spirit.
Daughter of the King, Jesus says you are strong. Do not let anyone or anything tell you that this is not true. Hide His Word in your heart, stand true to His teaching, and know that He is always with you.
Prayer (based on ”I John 5:14 Jesus, this is the confidence that we have in You, that, if we ask anything according to Your will, You hear us: And because we know that You hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of You.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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