You may have heard the expression “stronger together.” Whenever a community is called to weather a storm or a family standing to fight together for a cause, you will often hear or see a name in front of the word “Strong,” such as, “Texas Strong,” “Houston Strong,” “Katy Strong,” “Fellowship Strong”!
What about “Christian Strong”? From the first century until now, Christians have faced all the challenges a broken, sinful world could throw at them and they thrived with the strength that only comes from God.
In Psalms 27:8-9, the Psalmist writes …
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Paul reminds us that in our weakness, we are called to turn to God’s strength which makes us … Christian Strong!
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
It is in the face of difficulties, demands, disasters and desperate moments when we are facing the limits of our mortal strength that we find in grace, which calls us to persist in our faith and trust in Christ. In those moments, we realize that we are not alone … but we are part of something that is stronger than anything in this world.
This Week: Today take some time to express to God your weakness, fear, and struggles. Listen and take heart that you do not have to be strong when the One who is with you and in you is strong enough for both of you. Be Christian Strong in your weakness … for when you are weak, you are strong!
Pastor Jerry