WEDNESDAY'S WORD - STRENGTH - SADELL BRADLEY 10/1/2014

Strength is the quality or state of being strong:

• Physical: having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks or actions well and powerfully. Like these triathletes.
• Internal: able to withstand great force or pressure; not easily affected by disease or hardship; not easily disturbed, upset, or affected.
• Motivational: showing determination, self-control and good judgment.

Strength is not just physical power and energy but the emotional or mental qualities necessary to deal with situations or events that are distressing or difficult with grace and wisdom.

We hold being strong in very high esteem.  From physical feats like triathlons, yoga, and body-building, to emotional bravery such as teaching little boys not to cry when upset...we value at least the idea of being strong.  "Never let them see you sweat," is the admonition we give to mask any vulnerability we might be feeling. Having weakness is undesirable; showing weakness is deplorable. Christ-followers have a different perspective on strength. The psalmist wrote:

"God IS (emphasis added) our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah." (Selah means pause and think about that) [Psalm 46:1-3]

God does not just have strength.  He does not just give us strength. He IS our strength.  He IS our ability to withstand pressure without being easily disturbed.  He IS our capacity be determined and demonstrate good judgment and self-control through arduous circumstances.  Without Him, we would give way to fear and pressure in the time of trouble. With Him as an ever-present help, we can stand and endure.

Paul faced a difficulty that he would have to suffer long-term.  He called it 'a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet' him so that he would not become prideful about the greatness of revelation he was receiving. A thorn is a regular source of pain, discomfort, irritation or annoyance, or an obstacle that won't go away. It was something God was allowing, though Paul asked Him three times to be relieved of the humbling issue. The Lord's reply was NO! (yeah, that happens). He told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  

Paul's response to this NO was so counter-cultural to human nature, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  (2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Instead of shunning his weaknesses and trying situations, Paul celebrated them! This posture displayed his utter dependence on Christ for power and strength. We can adopt the same conviction when we face Satan's assaults. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11)