Lessons on Strength

We live in a world that is full of people flexing their proverbial muscles to prove they are the most able. There is the big brother or sister bossing around the siblings. There is the bully that tries to control people by fear and power. Then there is the manager that feels he/she has so much control, they can make life easy or hard, depending on how they are treated. There is the boss that may want to acquire other businesses that is trying to make himself look superior to get the upper hand on any deal. We see it in politics. We see it with wars. I’m not saying everyone does this and is bad, but there are many that don’t respect themselves enough, or know they will be exposed if they don’t keep everyone else on the defense. If that strength comes from honest faithful hard work and they use this strength with respect for those they serve, this strength can be wonderful. If this power is used to prove themselves and also used without care for others, this power will likely be destructive to many. What does the Bible say about strength? First and foremost, we see where true strength is found. Deuteronomy 4, “Because he loved your forefathers and chose their descendants after them, he brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you and to bring you into their land to give it to you for your inheritance, as it is today.” All is possible for God and nothing can happen to His people without God allowing... even martyrdom. When God was rescuing His people from slavery in Egypt, He won their battles. What about when people boast that all they have and all they have done has been by their own strength and resolve. Let’s look at Deuteronomy 8, “He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” It is time to humble ourselves before God giving Him thanks and praise for how He has enabled us to serve Him. Lord, help us remember that all things are possible through You, who gives us strength. Help us to seek Your direction in all things. Amen.