El Shaddai (God Almighty)

Hello, my friend, and welcome to this sacred moment. There are times when we just need God to show up strong for us!

A few weeks ago, I was swamped by a wave of funerals. As a pastor, one of my roles is to walk with people in grief. On top of loss, and after loss, many of my closest friends were in crisis as their lives spiraled out of control. On top of that chaos, there were many challenges at work that seemed to magnify my exhaustion. On top of that, some health concerns in our immediate family were pulling our hearts in many directions. Oh, and it happened to be Christmas!

As I prepared to walk onto the stage to officiate another memorial service, I remember crying out to God from my overwhelmed state, “God, I need you to show up strong for me right now!” And do you know what? He did!

Abraham, David and John all needed God to show up strong for them. Abram (who later became Abraham) needed God to show up strong as he and Sarai faced childlessness, God’s testing in the surrender of Isaac, and Abram’s pivotal role as the father of God’s chosen people. David needed God to show up strong as he faced the overwhelming obstacles of Goliath, the jealousy of Saul, and his future as a King. John needed God to show up strong in the face of the call of Jesus, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus.

Listen to the Bible speak of El Shaddai through the words of these men:

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘ am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless…’” (Genesis 17:1, NIV)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, NIV)

“All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3, NIV)

My friend, if you need God to show up strong for you today—He will! El Shaddai, God Almighty, is with you, and He is mighty to save! His strength is available to you right now, so instead of trying to get through this day in your own strength, call on His powerful name and allow His Almighty power to infuse you with strength from Heaven.

Let’s pray about that right now. “El Shaddai, we call on your power and might in this moment. Lord, we need your power to carry us through this day. We cannot do this on our own and we are grateful that we don’t have to! Jesus, be our strength. When we face obstacles and challenges today, help us to rely on You and Your powerful Name. Give us the strength we need to accomplish Your will for our lives! Amen.”

You are a miracle!

Grant