Strength that Prevails

Right now, we are going to do a little Word Association game – What do you think of when I mention theses things?
- Superman
- Steel
- A Professional Weightlifter

What one characteristic do these all possess? They possess great strength.

I'm sure most of us have had moments in our life where we had to be strong and courageous in the midst of a tough time. Can you think of a time in your life in which you had to be strong – not physically strong, but emotionally and mentally?

Let's think back on what Christ went through 2 Fridays ago. It took peace to get to that place, but it must have taken tremendous strength to withstand the beating he got.

Remember the crown of thorns? Remember the whipping he got? Remember all the guards beating him and mocking him? Remember him carrying the cross? Remember the cross? The pain and suffering he went through had to be unbearable. I just watched the “Passion of the Christ” this past week and if you want to see true strength and determination, you need to watch it.

He took a beating! It had to take strength to go from 1 beat down to another and still not die until he finally said enough. It had to take strength to resist saying enough with all of this, and just walk away or even call down lightening and kill all those responsible.

Where do you think he got that strength from? Where can we get that kind of strength?

We can get it from God.

Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

What are the promises found here?
- Don’t fear, for I am with you
- Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God
- I will strengthen and help you
- I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

These are promises that God intents to fill. Remember God is always faithful and will always come through on his promise

So, then, what does this show us about the kind of relationship God desires with us?
- God desires to be in relation with us. He wants to give us strength in all situations.
- He wants to give us strength and help us – especially in those tough situations
- He wants us to know that we shouldn't worry or fear for he is with us

Challenge

So, what do yo do with this?

What is a situation(s) that you are in now that you could use God’s strength? Think of all that is going on around you – the good the bad. Where could you use some extra help?

Look at all the benefits there are to trusting him – he is with us, he is our God, he will strengthen us and help us, he will uphold us with his righteous hand.

Even if you think your situation is beyond help – know this: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
- It doesn't say we can do somethings or most things.
- It says we can do all tings through Him who gives us strength

Nothing is beyond God's ability to help. He has strenght that will prevail!

If God’s strength and peace can get Jesus through his death…If God’s strength allowed Christ to rise again 3 days later…what do you think His strength can do for you?

I want you to think of 1 thing you can do this week in which you can tap into God's strength
Think of 1 way in which you can rely on Christ.

You can do it and you will benefit from it.