“Out of weakness were made strong.” Hebrews 11:34 NKJV
“The struggle, in situation or season which challenges strength, builds it.”
My thoughts today are about “growing strong.”
Strength is not something with which you are born. You are born with only the capacity and potential for strength. A baby can do little in its own strength, yet very soon begins reaching, stretching, and trying. Little by little, growth occurs and strength increases. That principle is true across the spectrum of life – physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. You become strong, not by wishing to be, but by developing strength while rising to challenges. The struggle, in situation or season which challenges strength, builds it.
There are varying kinds of strength, both natural and spiritual, sourced in flesh or spirit – strength of personality, strength of conviction, strength of character, strength of ego, strength of brute force, strength of reputation, strength of resolve, strength of social connections, strength of persuasion, strength of knowledge – not all equally beneficial. Some natural strengths are selfishly advantageous to the individual possessing them; some serve better the purposes of God and the blessing of others.
Here is the perplexing thing to those who delight in flexing their muscles, bragging of their abilities, and trusting in their cleverness: doing so is not strength but weakness. You are prone to think that you are most limited by your weakness, but really you are more hindered by your own pride of perceived strength. “My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in weakness. I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may dwell in me . . for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV.
Where you are strong, you are tempted to trust in your own unreliable strength, however partial and inadequate at best. Only when and where you are aware of weakness, will you learn to rely more heavily on the Lord. “We are confident . . it is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value. Our only power and success come from God. He is the One who has enabled us . .” 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 NLT.
The portrayal of people who “out of weakness were made strong, and became valiant in battle” (Hebrews 11:34 NKJV), is set in the most amazing chapter about people God describes as strong in faith. However, they did not always begin that way. The examples of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, David, Samson, along with many who are mentioned though their names are not, excite us by their strength of courage and conviction.
They were remarkable Christians who “overthrew kingdoms . . shut the mouths of lions . . quenched the flames of fires . . put whole armies to flight.” They began as ordinary as anyone else; they became extraordinary examples of Godly strength, men and women “strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Romans 4:16-24 NKJV. You grow strong in the same way. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 NKJV.
My prayer for you today is that everyday you are growing strong in reliance on God.