“He gives strength to the weary and                                     increases the power of the weak.”

      Isaiah 40:29

Today’s Message is for anyone who has ever felt stressed, overwhelmed, and/or weary.

Certainly we have all experienced times when our own strength does not seem enough to meet the challenges we face. And it’s not! Our strength is truly limited on our own. Life can be downright difficult at times. Negative feelings can weigh us down, but they are simply all part of experiencing our humanness. However, the following Bible passages give us great hope:

“...Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40: 29-31 

 “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28

Sometimes, we must admit that we are limited in what we can do in some situations, and at that point, all may seem lost. We may become exhausted, and our hope may go by the wayside. Actually, it can be hard to have hope when we are forced to recognize and admit our limitations. It may hurt our pride to have to ask others for help. Our weakness may even shatter our lifelong false belief that we can do everything on our own. But sometimes we need to face the fact that we are unable to make a situation or a relationship better. For when we see that that we are quite limited in this life, it can be truly humbling, at best, but we still must face our imperfections and limitations head-on. And it begs this pressing question:

Where does your strength come from???

Some people draw on family and friends for strength…. Others cope with difficulties and the unpredictability of life by diving into their work or hobbies. Yet others may step into addictions to self-medicate alcohol, drugs, hoarding, food or gambling. How we cope runs the gamut. However, those who place their trust in God, and His Only Son Jesus Christ, to give them strength when trying to cope with situations will not be disappointed! So let’s take a look at what scripture says about strength and weakness:

 ^“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 

“But He (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

“Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before.”

Psalm 68:28

One of the things that can help us cope with life when we face difficult times is to try to remember times in the past when we trusted God and He helped us. Has He watched over your children, your family and kept them safe? Has He opened doors for you in the past, and helped you to get the opportunity or job you wanted? Did He save you from an accident while you were driving home from vacation? Has He ever healed you in a way that baffled you and your doctors? Has he mended a difficult relationship?? Then I say give credit where credit is due! For scripture tells us in the following Bible passages:

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” Psalm 18:32 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 

“I will refresh the weary...” Jeremiah 31:25 

“You are my strength; come quickly to help me.”

Psalm 22:19

Sometimes we are tempted to take credit for God’s finest work in our lives. However, when we understand that He is the Living God, the greatest hope we will ever know, it is much easier to go to Him in prayer and ask for healing, comfort, protection, strength—whatever we need. Here are some more short Bible passages to help us to turn to God, and His Only Son who died for our sins, for strength:

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Psalm 29:11

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

119:28

As you can see from these scriptures today, God IS our strength. That’s one of His promises to us! We need to turn to Him in every circumstance, and place Him at the center of our days, our lives. Once we realize that with God, there is strength in weakness, and weakness in strength, we are far more prepared to turn to Him, and trust in Him, to help us in our times of greatest need. When we do, feelings of being stressed, overwhelmed, weary and vulnerable fade away, and they are replaced with peace. In fact, we are then rejuvenated to press on.

Copyright 2022   |   Adele M. Gill 

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