STRONG

Strength is a word thrown out a lot in the sports world. We hear how we need to be strong physically, so we spend most of our free time in the weight room. We hear how we need to be strong mentally, so we shift our mindset and focus intently, especially when the game is on the line.

We like the fact that we are strong. We have a visceral competition with our opponents or even our teammates. We even pride ourselves on supporting ourselves when we get our own place and pay our own bills.

Here’s a statement you probably weren’t expecting: There’s greater strength in surrendering.

Freedom comes when we throw off the weight we’re trying to carry on our shoulders and give it to God, letting Him be the one to do the heavy lifting. Let’s dive into what God says about gaining strength in surrendering to Him and His plan.

There is strength in surrendering, in admitting we don’t have it all together, and we can’t take on everything on our own. We need help, and that’s OK because God is our great Helper, our refuge in times of need.

Jesus lived His whole life in humility and strict obedience to His Father. Jesus, Creator of all things, existing as part of the Triune God, came down to earth in human form and followed a plan that led to His earthly death. Fully dependent on God’s direction and willingly placing His life in God’s hands, Jesus’ strength was in surrender. And what resulted in Jesus’ surrender? The result is a heavenly reign that knows no end. See a pattern yet?

If you want to be known for your strength, start by surrendering to God. Dependence and communion with God are the greatest places to begin to build our spiritual muscles. Know that your value comes from God—He sent His Son to rescue you from insecurity, sin, and any other enemy that tried to make you feel inferior. Standing firm in His love gives us the strength we desire to live our lives in love with those around us, no matter our situation.

When you look at the life other women are living, shift your gaze back to your blessings. Count them. Ask God to reveal how He has made and equipped you for the good things in His plan. Remember, it’s not what we do that makes us strong, but Whose we are.

Talk About It:

You are God’s beloved daughter. In His love, you are chosen, you are seen, you are enough. You are strong. Prepare yourselves for the strength God has in store for you by surrendering to Him today.

1. What’s the difference between worldly strength and biblical strength?
2. Have you tried pushing through life in your own strength? How did that make you feel?
3. What are some roadblocks that keep you from submitting to God?

Prayer:

“God, I tend to want to prove to myself that I can do things on my own and that I am strong enough to push through. But I get tired, and the world is heavy. Help me place my trust in You and remind me to take the burden of responsibility off my shoulders and give it to You. You are my strength, especially when I feel at my weakest. Thank You for calling me Your beloved daughter and that You want a closer relationship with me. Please let the truth of strength in surrendering to Your ways be part of my daily living—let it sink into my heart as I live out what dependence on You really means. You are my refuge and strength and my help in times of trouble. I want to stand in Your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.”