Looking for Strength from God?
When we have strength we can make it through tough times. This strength enables us to live a healthy lifestyle and to manage the stress that is present. Are you looking for insight about how God can be a source of strength? Today my devotionals lead me back to two passages in Ephesians where Paul shares his understanding of how God supplies us strength. I'll do my best to pass his wisdom along to you here.
What the Bible Says about Strength and Power
Ephesians 1:15-21 is a prayer of Paul to the people of the church of Ephesus. He is especially praying that they be unified in their new faith so that they can be the body of Christ that God intended them to be. This prayer still applies to us today... and it is my prayer for you. I pray that you may know God better and that your understanding of him be deep in your heart. This deep understanding of who God is and of the love he has for you should be a source of hope - the kind of hope that can only come from God. Accompanying this deep understanding of God and belief in his character and nature should be great power. Paul tells us in verse 19 that this power is like the working of his mighty strength - the same strength that God used to raise Jesus from his grave. This same power, and strength, is available to you if you believe.
Further in this same book, in Ephesians 3:16-21, Paul again writes to these people in a prayer. We are also told that we can have this great power because God's Holy Spirit lives in us who believe in Jesus. When you are deeply rooted in God's love you are able to grasp how much Jesus loves you and cares for you. This is hugely important because as you embrace this love, you begin to realize the fullness and power of God. God's Holy Spirit, who lives in you, gives your mind this ability. It's not your power, but God's power that is manifested in you and at work in you. (Ephesians 3:20)
Receiving God's Strength
So, according to these scriptures, how do you receive strength that is available from God?
* You believe in his Son, Jesus.
* You begin to understand just how much God loves you and you receive this wonderful love.
* You know that his Holy Spirit lives in you.
* You believe that God's power raised Jesus from his grave.
* And, you believe that God wants to use this same mighty power for good in your life.
This is how you have strength - strength that comes directly from God. It's about your faith, belief and trust - the essence of the Christian faith.
You were created by God as his masterpiece to do wonderful things through the salvation you receive by believing in Jesus. Ephesians 2:10 When you receive strength from God, through his mighty power that is available, you can make it through the challenges that life throws at you. When this happens, God is glorified. Ephesians 3:21
Questions to Reflect On
Do you have a personal relationship with God and his Son, Jesus? If not, read about Jesus and how much God loves you.
Do you believe God's power raised Jesus from the grave? If not, read about it here.
Do you believe God's Spirit lives in you? If you're not sure about this, read about the Holy Spirit here.
More Resources on Strength and Power
More blog posts about strength and power
Scriptures related to stress and strength
30 Affirmations of Encouragement using scripture
___________________________________________
Dale Fletcher is the founder of Faith and Health Connection. A speaker and wellness coach who lives in Charlotte, NC, Dale conducts workshops and retreats on personal wellness/wholeness and the link between faith and health. He is a member of the Christian Medical Association, the Society for Spirituality, Theology & Health and the Christian Coaches Network. Connect with Dale at Faith and Health Connection.
