No one works out to get weaker. Strength is desired, admired and celebrated. I mean really, who wants to be weak? Nobody brags about that.

2 Corinthians 12:10, “So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressure, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” HCSB

PHYSICAL STRENGTH

Do you want to get in shape? I recommend Tabata. The fastest, most effective way to improve your fitness, Tabata is an exercise concept utilizing high intensity intervals. I enjoyed it because it resonated with my mindset. Anyone can maintain an exercise for twenty seconds. Before myasthenia gravis, I was exceptionally strong. Now I am exceptionally weak. Before myasthenia gravis, exercise made me stronger. Now it makes me weaker. My once firm muscles are soft. Previously able to crank out push-ups, now sometimes I need help opening a water bottle.

Isaiah 40:29,  “He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength.” ASV

SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

There is a woman of great strength who I deeply admire. She is beautiful inside and out. She has faced multiple recurrences of cancer, endured several surgeries and rounds of powerful chemotherapy with a radiant smile on her face.  Her faith is a testimony to all who know her and everyone is amazed by her strength, myself included. But when my health failed and the Lord showed me His strength, I recognized the undeniable source. I sent her a message, “Now I know it wasn’t you at all, it comes from God.” She agreed.

Psalm 121:1-2, “I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from the mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.” MSG

MY STRENGTH

I worked to be strong and disciplined. I depended on those attributes. In other words, I depended on myself. When I came to the end of myself I realized; the harder I try, the worse I get. What is now true for me physically has always been true for me spiritually.

Jeremiah 17:5, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.'” NIV

YOUR STRENGTH

Do you want to be stronger? What are you trying to overcome?  When you are struggling, people will tell you,

YOU”VE GOT THIS

I often hear others say,

YOU ARE SO STRONG

Are you?  If so, it could be your biggest stumbling block. There are numerous references to strength in the Bible, none of them laud human strength. All point us to God’s strength.

1 Corinthians 1:25, “God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.”

REAL STRENGTH

Spiritual strength results from total dependence on God. Allowing Him to be in control and trusting He knows best is the ultimate source of strength. The hard part is surrendering. Don’t quit all personal effort, just quit depending on yourself and your strength. When I try to add my power to His power, I actually subtract from it. His power is made perfect in my weakness, not my strength. No matter how much strength, will or determination I have, I can’t. I can’t overcome my physical or spiritual obstacles in my own power. You can’t either.  Are you battling habitual sin? Addiction?  Do not believe those who tell you to be strong. Be weak. Admit weakness, embrace it. Be dependent, not just on a higher power, but on THE Higher Power.

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” NIV

I have no strength, but I know exactly where to find it. Join me?

Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” KJV

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