My weakness tends to work itself into situations where I should be strong. I go to that verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and I think, Christ has strengthened me, so I must be able to do it. But what Angela Thomas brought out is that we are weak, we will always be weak, and the strength we receive from God does not build on top of one another, like I was strong, and now I am stronger... NO! Each time we need strength Christ grants us the strength we need in order to get through what we are going through. When Paul wrote "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" -Philippians 4:13 he meant it. I cannot do anything without the strength I receive through the power of Jesus Christ. |
The understanding of this verse is so vitally important. I need to ask Jesus for strength, then I need to be open to receiving it! My heart cannot be open to receiving it without having first fully received Jesus as my Lord and savior, and accepted the free gift of salvation. When I ask Him, "Lord please give me strength to make it through this day, to overcome this situation, to show off for you by being patient and calm." He hears my request and gladly grants me the strength I need to make it through. Angela made the point that "God desires a relationship in which we are dependent upon Him all the time". He wants us to communicate with Him and sometimes the only way that we stop and communicate with God is when we are in need.
The main point I want to express is that asking Jesus for His help is all that is needed. All of the "Strength Verses" lead to the same conclusion. I can have help, I can be strong, but I have to ask for strength in order to receive it.
Psalm 84:5 "Blessed are the ones whose strength is in you" (The Lord).
Nehemiah 8:10 "The Joy of the Lord is my strength." Psalm 28:10 "The Lord is my strength and shield."
How cool is it that the desire of God's heart is to hear from you each day! He just wants to hear your voice and tenderly answer every request you present to Him. When I'm praying I imagine sitting with Him, and He is so excited to hear from me that He has a big smile on His face, and He is looking at me giving me His full attention because He loves me so much!
Psalm 84:5 "Blessed are the ones whose strength is in you" (The Lord).
Nehemiah 8:10 "The Joy of the Lord is my strength." Psalm 28:10 "The Lord is my strength and shield."
How cool is it that the desire of God's heart is to hear from you each day! He just wants to hear your voice and tenderly answer every request you present to Him. When I'm praying I imagine sitting with Him, and He is so excited to hear from me that He has a big smile on His face, and He is looking at me giving me His full attention because He loves me so much!