Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
Like many things in this world, it means different things to different people. For some it’s a measure of stamina. There are tests everywhere to measure how much physical strength we have, how mentally resilient we are, or how emotionally tough we are. Strength determines how much we can get done in a day, how many promotions we can attain or how bold we are in the face of challenges. A lack of strength tends to be synonymous with laziness, weakness, or giving up. An empty strength gauge comes with feelings of inadequacy, questioning our identity, or even questioning our Maker.
That view of strength can quickly become a trap. On days when we possess it the world seems like our playground. On days when we struggle to make a complete thought or step we feel frail and insignificant. What’s the solution we are offered? Try harder, exercise more, eat better, find a new hobby, job, or house. We may find new strength for a moment, but eventually that candle will also burn out. Then what? Another finite candle? Another temporary infilling to produce momentary stamina? No matter how much the enemy tries to validate this lie, a lie it will remain.
“I didn’t make you to be strong,” says the Lord. “I made you to be Mine. I made you to trust in Me no matter the choices before you, the number of completed check boxes or the available force in your muscles. When your strength-to-struggle gets out of the way then my strength-to-excel comes rushing in. Your tired and empty vessel was made for My power and might. Your offerings of human power and might will never compare. As soon as you recognize your need for Me the striving will cease. As soon as you lay it all down, I will pick up all the pieces. Every desire of your heart I have the strength to fulfill. Every difficult road you walk I have the strength to carry you. Every wound and broken place that needs healing I have the strength to uncover and heal. Every chain that holds you down I have the strength to dissolve. Every dark night that tires and terrifies you I have the strength to penetrate.
“There is nothing that is impossible for Me. My candle never burns out. I never tire out. I never need more strength. All I have is all you need. Please let it all go and see that I am a good Father. You don’t have to do anything, say anything or offer anything. You just have to believe me. Once you get a glimpse of My love for you and My devotion to you, you will never get stuck in the way again. Let me be God and then you can be the free and rested person I created you to be.”
Final Thoughts…
We repent Lord for trying to live in our own strength. We repent for thinking we knew the way. We repent for getting in Your way. Break off all pride and doubt from our lives. Fill us with Your love and strength. Gently re-route us if we start to focus on our strength instead of Yours. We desire the strength that looks like surrender to You. We desire the strength that is all about You and has nothing to do with us. We desire the strength that is measured by our faith in You.