How Strong Are You?

And what is the source of our strength?

Photo by Heather Ford on Unsplash

Only the strong survive says our culture. But what does it mean to be strong? First let’s consider what is not strength in the context of God honoring relationships. Martial relationships, family, friends or simply, our fellow man.

What strength is NOT

• Strength is NOT disrespectful.

• It’s NOT heartless and callous.

• It does NOT trample on the rights of others.

Of course, there are different kinds of strength depending on context. Physical—mental, and spiritual strength. Mental strength and the will to survive is believed to be just as important as physical strength—if not more so. Evolution describes the survival of the fittest where only the strong survive so the genes of the strongest will continue for generations.

The Bible identifies a plethora of strong men. Some were physically strong such as Samson. But no matter how strong a man is he eventually loses his physical strength (Mark 14:38). Some were men of great courage and faith such as David. In fact, David was the only person the Bible identifies as a man after God’s own heart. —1 Samuel 14:13.

He was not considered as a man after God’s own heart because he was perfect, but because he hungered after God and recognized his true source of strength. His source of strength that he frequently reached out to in prayer for the help he needed.

Other men and women of spiritual conviction, courage, and strength such as the Apostle Paul and the disciples who were martyred for their faith fill the pages of the Bible. None of whom were without their flaws or failures, but men who were willing to stand up for their faith even in the face of death.

Spiritual Strength

Google indicates that the word strength is used more than 360 times in the Bible. Google continues:

Strength is a biblical quality that is frequently mentioned in the scriptures. In the Bible, strength refers to more than just physical power. It involves having the inner resources to face challenges and overcome obstacles with courage, perseverance, and resilience.

When strength is referenced in the Bible is often used in relation to God’s power.

'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' —Philippians 4:13

The word strength is frequently used in conjunction with courage.

'Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.' —Psalm 31:24

What strength is

• Strength as a key to spiritual growth

  The Bible describes inner strength and conviction as a key component of spiritual growth and maturity. 

• Strength as more than physical power

  Outside the context of physical strength the Bible defines strength as involving inner resources to face challenges with courage, perseverance, and resilience.

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. —Isaiah 4:29

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. —Psalm 116:14

Strength Through Humility

But perhaps the greatest strength is humility. Humility does not mean being a doormat for others. Nor does it mean think less of yourself. Instead, it means thinking of yourself less and placing others ahead of yourself (Phippians 2:3-4). Just the opposite of what the world teaches, and where our flesh leads us. It is a virtue that we cannot obtain on our own. It is only with God’s Holy Spirit to strengthen us and help us do what we cannot do without divine intervention, that we can grow in humility. Strangely, it takes more strength to be humble than it is to be slaves to the natural inclinations of the flesh—to react out of emotion, arrogance, insecurites or ego.

It has been said that humility is the foundation of all other virtues—and for good reason. It comes with a promise of a great reward, By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. (Proverbs 22:4).

Christ demonstrated true humility and selflessness by enduring the cross for us— placing us ahead of Himself. He requires the same from us. Yes, it’s a tall order and only possible through Christ who strengthens us. —Phillipians 4:13

Do you know anyone who is humble? Voting for ourselves don’t count of course. I happen to know a couple who demonstrate a God honoring humility, and it’s always a wonderful experience to be around them.

We are all a work in progress as we strive towards our goal to become more Christlike—humility being one of the defining virtues—maybe even foundational. Fortunately for us we have a God who factors in our weakness and failures while making his Spirit available to us as His children.

My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:8

In His image,

Rick B