Sometimes at the end of the day, I feel like I have nothing more to give. If one more person calls or texts me for help—I will hide! Ah, but that is the time when I need God’s strength! Some of the most powerful moments of ministry in my life have happened when I was completely out of my own strength. It reminds me of the testimony of Paul the Apostle. He was asking the Lord to take away his infirmities and God said:
“‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.‘
To which, the Spirit inspired Paul to write this remarkable response: ‘Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take PLEASURE in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong‘.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
WOWZA! Our tough circumstances, exhaustion, health or financial crises, or anything that makes us feel weak—presents a GREAT opportunity for the strength of GOD to work through us and—for HIM to receive ALL the glory for the victory. Otherwise, we are only strong in ourselves—and we run out very quickly! The fact is, we are completely dependent upon God for the ability to even lift one finger—whether we admit it or not.
Our life becomes exceedingly powerful when we live dependent UPON God rather than—independent FROM Him.
When we do, we are never too tired to take that phone call or go the extra mile for someone because we live with THIS victorious mindset:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
To recharge ourselves in GOD’s strength, we must spend time with HIM—one on one. We need to be in HIS presence. We need to constantly be recharging our batteries with HIS power.
So, what does this look like?
Well, for me, sometimes it means I need to get my heart right with God—perhaps I’ve neglected my relationship with Him or my speech has run afoul of love—I need to repent of any behavior separating me from a sense of God’s presence. Sin is a guaranteed energy zapper because it separates us from our HOLY God—the source of all energy. Other times—I simply need to dig into His Word or have intense prayer. My friend, God promises us that when we live in HEART obedience to His ways—He will “continually” enlighten, guide, and satisfy us. He said:
“[If] they SEEK Me DAILY, and DELIGHT to KNOW My WAYS, as a nation that did RIGHTEOUSNESS, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. [IF] they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God….
THEN your LIGHT shall break forth like the morning, your HEALING shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the GLORY of the Lord shall be your rear GUARD.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.‘
If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.
The Lord will GUIDE you continually, and SATISFY your soul in drought, and STRENGTHEN your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.“
Isaiah 58:2, 8-11
My friend, IN God’s presence, we are constantly refreshed to do His work, His way, in HIS strength and—for HIS glory!
God’s presence is our greatest strength!
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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One Response
God is an ever present help in a time of trouble.