Much Needed StrengthSample

Strength for Two

Ready: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”—Joshua 1:9

Set: In Greek mythology, one quality of a hero is having “strength for two.” In other words, to be heroic, you not only had to thrive on your own, but you also had to help someone else thrive. When we envision superheroes today, we’re often drawn to both their physical strength as well as their moral strength to come to the aid of those in need.

What are we willing to do to get ready? What am I personally willing to go through to ensure I’ll be strong enough in mind, body and spirit to actually help others when the time comes?

Here are three keys to developing “strength for two.”

1. Push beyond your normal limits. At some point, to increase your strength, you have to take on more than you can currently handle. To gain muscle, you have to lift heavier weights. To grow in faith, you have to step outside your comfort zone. To grow in empathy, you have to step inside another person’s shoes. If it doesn’t challenge you, it will never change you.

2. See pain as your friend. We all have to stop seeing pain as something to be avoided, and instead start using it to our advantage. God promises to use trials to refine us and mature us if we let Him. To grow, you need to depend on the strength of God in your weakness. To become more compassionate, you have to let God use your pain as a blessing to others in pain. 

3. Face your fears. We have two choices when dealing with fear: We can “Forget Everything And Run,” or we can “Face Everything And Rise.” Scripture encourages us to take a stand, to be strong and courageous. We have nothing to fear because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s taking action in spite of it.—Jimmy Page

Go:

1. What’s one thing you will do right now to push beyond your limits in mind, body and spirit?
2. What pain are you going through that you can let God turn into strength? 
3. What’s one fear you can face right now to build confidence in God?

Workout: 

• 1 Chronicles 16:11
• Habakkuk 3:19
• Psalm 73:26

Overtime: It is hard to stretch where it is uncomfortable, and where I can oftentimes find myself weak. Yet You promise that when I’m weak, I am strong in You. Turn my heart to believe that You are strengthening me every day to be at my best. Amen.