Strength within

“For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” Ephesians 3,14-17 (CSB)

It is a fact that in this world, on this earth, there will be challenges.

In addition to the generic troubles in the world, there are tribulations and trials that are specific to the believer. The Lord Jesus Christ knew this and said: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16,33)

These trials and tribulations can take many forms.

Throughout His journey with His disciples, Jesus warned that those who would follow Him will have to ‘lose’ their life in order to ‘save’ it [life in metaphoric sense] (Matthew 16,24-25), that relationships may be strained (Matthew 10,34-39), that they may suffer hatred and persecution (John 17,14-15), etc.

In fact, the faith of the believer will be tested: circumstances will make it look like the promises of God will never be fulfilled and the temptation of drawing back, giving up comes.

This is why we need STRENGTH.

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Proverbs 24,10 (NKJV)

Victory is guaranteed! It is guaranteed in Christ Jesus; He has overcome the world.

Circumstances will not always be adverse. Relationships will not always be painful. Life will not always be hard. And that not in heaven, but here on earth.

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” (2 Corinthians 2,15 NKJV)

The King James Version puts it this way: it is God who always causes us to triumph in Christ. How wonderful!

I would like to give you three tools that, I believe, strengthen the believer and keep them strong:

• The Word of God

  This is not just about reading the Bible for the sake of it, or for the sake of knowledge. This is about God speaking to you through the written Scriptures. This is the beauty of prayer: building your life of prayer around the Word of God will make you strong. It will prepare you beforehand of upcoming trials and you won't be affected by them (affected within)

  
  

  “There is such a great peace and well-being that comes to the lovers of your Word, and they will never be offended” (Psalm 119,165 TPT)

  ‘Nothing shall offend them’ (KJV)

• Joy

  On the opposite side of joy is discouragement, weariness and sadness.

  When someone is joyful, they feel light; they are not burdened. Their inner being is most alive and vibrant. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8,10)

  
  

  “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 5,7 AMPC)

  
  

  Jesus said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11,28-29)

  
  

  It’s not irresponsibility to be joyful in trials, it is trust in a God who is faithful, kind and love.

• Guarding your heart

  This is an area where we must be more alert. Our eyes and our ears are gates to our hearts and minds. This means that fear, unbelief can enter through what we hear: what we hear through our ears and what we hear through what we see. Refuse to hear negative talk. If possible, stay away from anything that can jeopardize your faith.

  
  

  One of the instructions on warfare that was given to Israel was this:

  “Then the officers shall speak further to the soldiers and say, ‘Who is the man who is afraid and lacks courage? Let him go and return to his house, so that he does not cause his brothers’ courage to fail like his own.’” (Deuteronomy 20,8 AMP)

Beloved of God, the Holy Spirit strengthens you with power and might.

“The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army];He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]…” Habakkuk 3,19 (AMP)