A person with physical strength is greatly admired. Muscular athletes participating in various Olympic events are magnificent to observe. Years are spent training and learning how best to accomplish a specific skill or technique. These athletes rely on their own strength to attain victory.
Mental strength is also admired. In the face of sudden chaos and danger, those who remain calm and think clearly are extraordinary. These special individuals can set aside personal emotions and react coolly in moments of danger. They process information and produce superior plans of action that often save lives. Consider our courageous soldiers, teachers warding off crazed gunmen who terrorize their students, firemen entering burning buildings, pilots flying crippled airplanes, and the average Joe who saves a drowning child. Mental strength and the ability to process information then react intelligently should be extolled.
But, there is an even more astonishing strength that is not of our own making. It is called the grace of God. Through God’s grace we are strong; Strong enough to face down powers of darkness warring against us in the heavenly realm.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
Paul admonished weary and fearful Timothy to, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 2:1 (NKJV)
While in prison, Paul reached out to his spiritual brother. He knew his time on earth was short and wanted to encourage his young companion. Timothy knew his own life was destined to include suffering should he continue on in ministry. He was facing the cross and counting the cost.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 2:6-7 (NKJV)
There is no scripture stating believers will live happy and trial-free lives while in this world. Instead, Scripture tells us “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
The thing to remember is we are also overcomers! Through our relationship with Jesus Christ, we too have conquered death. Heaven, our eternal home, is waiting for us. But for now, our time on earth is for work. Sharing the Good New is our responsibility!
Thus, let us all find grace in the living Word of God, which is grace itself.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.”
Titus 2:11 (NIV)
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Acts 20:32 (NKJV)
Grace affords joy, pleasure, delight, and sweetness. It brings contentment and peace. Fall upon the grace that is in Jesus Christ. I assure you that strength will be yours during sorrow and pain. These times will be hard…. But still, they will be palatable.
Consider these Scriptures and the benefits of finding strength in the grace of God.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (NKJV)
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Acts 6:8 (NIV)
“Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.” Hebrews 13:9 (NIV)