STRENGTHENED

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory to be STRENGTHENED with might through His Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16

God has another unique Blessing for Believers in Christ: the Inner STRENGTH that sustains us through the world’s tough routes. It becomes really needful when virtually daily we see turbulent events and hear distressing news or when we’re faced with enormous pressures. The world provides nothing on which we can fully rest our weight; only God does. This Inner Strength is not based on human principles or strategies, but on the knowledge of God: “…the people who know their God shall be STRONG, and carry out great exploits” (Dan.11:32b). This Strength is sourced in God, His Spirit, and His Word; and channelled through a solid walk with Him and the steadying support and partnership of other saints. Joshua received a great divine commission, and his immediate needs were strength and courage. Thrice in one ‘Sermon’ the Lord commanded him: “BE STRONG and of good courage…” (Jos.1:6-9). God’s Strength was the security of his good success!

King David said: “The Lord is the Strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” (Psa.27:1b). He knew the Almighty as the Source of His Strength. Beloved, where do you seek to find strength when you feel weak? The Bible offers many valuable verses on finding strength for hard times and encouraging your faith when you feel despair. Satan's goal is to make one feel weak, useless and ultimately to destroy one. But by the truths of Scriptures you can resist and overcome demonic attacks against your spirit, soul, and body! Here is a collection of Scriptures that provide comfort, power, strength, and victory:

• “The LORD will give STRENGTH to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace” (Psa.29:11)
• “God is our refuge and STRENGTH, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” (Psa.46:1-2a)
• “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will STRENGTHEN you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right had” (Psa.41:10).
• “The LORD God is my STRENGTH; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills” (Hab.3:19).
• “STRENGTHENED with all might, according to His glorious power…” (Col.1:11a)
• “I can do all things through Christ who STRENGTHENS me” (Phil1:4:13).

Add the testimony of Caleb, another Champion of Faith: “As yet I am as STRONG this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spoke in that day…” (Jos. 14:11-12a). Caleb’s strength was continually renewed: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa.40:31). As you “wait on the Lord”, you’ll experience His calmness and renewal.

Nehemiah revealed another vital Secret of Strength: “…the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh.8:10). Joy generates Strength! Paul knew and demonstrated the Secrets of Strength: “But the Lord stood with me and STRENGTHENED me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all Gentiles might hear…” (2Tim.4:17). He prayed for believers: “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory to be STRENGTHENED with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16). He encouraged Timothy, his son in the faith: “BE STRONG in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim.2:1). Then, he left these final words: “Finally, my brethren, be STRONG in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). Be strong in the Lord. Be strengthened by His Spirit. Be strong in His Word. Be strong in His Grace. Be strong in the Power of His Might. With Jesus on your inside, you can withstand and overcome any trouble on the outside.