Mr. Strong, along with all the Mr. Men children’s books written by Roger Hargreaves, is still a firm favorite in our home. Following a makeover in 2008, Mr. Strong is no longer square; he now has has broader shoulders, a narrower waist, and bulging biceps, but he remains the strongest person in the world. The source of his incredible strength? It comes from all the eggs he eats! The protein in eggs is rich in leucine, an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the way muscles use glucose—contributing to strength, satisfying hunger, and providing a source of lasting energy.
Just as our bodies are nourished and sustained by good food, so too are our souls strengthened in the presence of our Creator God (Philippians 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:12). Daily responsibilities and bitter disappointments can quickly wear us down and test our resolve, so “even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength” (Isaiah 40:30-31). Indeed, a confident trust in God provides the fuel we need to be strengthened, and it helps us once again to “walk,” “run,” and “soar” (Isaiah 40:31).
Have you found that your energy is sapped due to tough situations? Take time today to lift your eyes and experience the presence of our incredible God (Isaiah 40:22-28). As you do, may you enjoy His goodness and become strong again (Psalm 16:11). For God “gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless” (Isaiah 40:29).
When we put our hope in God rather than our employer, bank account, best friend, or physician, we’ll experience a strength that keeps us going throughout the year, no matter the circumstance. We’ll be strong in God’s power!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 12:1-25
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and be reminded that God’s power works best in our weakness.
Next:
How will you proclaim your confident hope and trust in God today? What does it mean to truly know and live out His strength?
Gary Shultz on April 6, 2016 at 6:03 am
Ruth, I must confess, had to regroup with thoughts on today’s article. It is true, but not always applied to everyone, I’m sure we both know folks that had been believers all their lives and now face debilitating mental and physical failure. As a practice, to be sure strengthening ourselves or a loved one is what we should be aiming for; however, I’m sure there are many that wish they could run or soar, but life has not permitted that state any more. So, I am with you in principal and practice, but what is to be said for those stricken with these seeming blocks to strength, what is said to the care giver? I don’t expect you to have every answer; however, possibly we may look at this from their situation. Thanks for opening this thought.
gagirllive on April 6, 2016 at 9:17 am
Gary, I share your thoughts on that and have asked those questions, too. A verse came to mind as I did. It’s Psalm 73:26–“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” This answers those questions for me, at least in part. God does not only supply us with strength–He Himself IS our strength. Even when my body and mind have failed me, I believe that He will still be my strength, my portion. I always say that for the redeemed child of God NOTHING can touch our spirit. It is the only part of us where His Spirit takes up residence and because of that, it is an impenetrable fortress. But our bodies and our minds are still awaiting their full redemption, so even when they fail, God remains the strength of our lives. This my hope.
gagirllive on April 6, 2016 at 9:19 am
This IS my hope.
sdwise on April 6, 2016 at 9:48 am
Amen!
sdwise on April 6, 2016 at 9:47 am
Gary although scripture speaks metaphorically of running and soaring like eagles, I see your point. No matter what our circumstances and physical limitations, God knows and wants to use us right where we are to show His love. Many time we focus on what we can not do and miss out on what we can do. For caregivers to those who are mentally challenged, we pray to God to reach them by the power of the Holy Spirit. His grace is sufficient. In one of my devotional reading today it said we must labor along the path we are directed. Be blessed this day!
Father God we thank you for salvation. We thank you that because of your love for us you have made it readily availabe to whosoever will confess Jesus as LORD will be saved. We thank you that you know the heart of all mankind because you are our omniscient creator. We thank you that the Holy Spirit can reach into the darkness of a troubled mind and reveal Jesus as Lord and savior. We thank you that when we can no long walk or run, we can still reach others beyond where we can physically go by phone, email, text or letter to encourag and pray for them. We thank you that when we can no longer see, that your word is available for us to still hear by tape, cd and as preached. We thank you that when we can not hear that your word is written for us to read and that there are signers in some congregations for us to get the preaching of your word. We thank you for those who assist as caregiver for all who struggle with physical and mental limitations. God I ask that you strengthen them this day as they care for those you have entrusted to them, that they may walk and not get weary, run and not faint. In Jesus name. Amen
gagirllive on April 6, 2016 at 10:22 am
Amen. I just had to come back and share this…AFTER I replied to Gary’s comment, I opened up another devotional reading that I use and the verse for today was Psalm 73:26!! How like God to confirm His word to my heart! I love when that happens!
hisray on April 6, 2016 at 11:36 am
This is an excerpt from a short article I read some months back, from “The Torch Magazine”. Well worth the read!
“Thank God for Aging”
We must not forget that there is always
and purpose, even in aging and illness. Aging
strips us. If we live long enough, we will lose our
beauty, our strength, our wealth, our independence,
the control of our bodily functions, our pride, and
perhaps our very self. These are our idols, all the
things that we trust in life to make us attractive,
valuable, and self-sufficient. If our aging is successful, we will end our lives
stripped of everything but God, totally naked and
helpless, utterly dependent on Him and the love
of others. Everything that we trusted in life for
our worth will have been stripped away. What a
blessing to finally find our right relationship to God!
gagirllive on April 6, 2016 at 12:27 pm
Love that! Thanks for sharing.
samgaskill on April 6, 2016 at 2:52 pm
Amen! I agree there is a purpose in ALL things. A good lesson on what our idols look like! Oh Lord, deliver us from the temptation of believing we understand as You do, Your thoughts, Your ways are indeed higher than our own. Forgive us when we lose sight because of weariness and lack of understanding. We all fail in this way. Yet in love, You continue to walk with us, patiently, kindly and with forgiveness.
sdwise on April 7, 2016 at 9:08 am
Thank you! This is so in line with our beginning and end of life. “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 KJV
We came from God into this world and we return back to Him the way we came!
gagirllive on April 6, 2016 at 9:00 am
Ruth, when I am on the verge of overwhelming despair, I know that I have to get a fresh vision/reminder of who God is. This passage is one of my favorite places to go in times like that. After reading and meditating on it, I am silenced by the awesomeness of God and humbled and comforted by His words to me, “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength”. Trust–it always comes back to that, doesn’t it? When I appropriate this promise by faith (and for me, I have to open up my mouth and verbally declare it), the transformation begins–He lifts me up to SOAR above my circumstances; He helps me throw off the weights so I can RUN my race again, and finally, He takes me by the hand so that I can WALK that steady walk of faith that He’s called me to. This is the help of our awesome God! He truly gives power to the weak! Thank you for this encouragement today, Ruth. I know your post will bless so many who are feeling faint. May we all go forward in the strength of the LORD today!
godlove on April 6, 2016 at 10:49 am
Amen gagirllive, today and everyday. That’s the key, isn’t it? Trust, which I could also translate as Faith. Regardless of the circumstances, GOD is our strength (like you said in your response to Gary’s comment above), when we know this and put all our faith and trust in Him, He will definitely help us never to grow weak.
samgaskill on April 6, 2016 at 10:39 am
Blessed by the thoughtful dialogue here today. All these things I too have thought about. I am learning to stay focused on eternal purposes of everything I experience this side of Heaven. In personal physical challenges, emotional ones and as a caregiver in challenging situations, I’ve found my strength renewed only as I went to that deep place with Christ. It is challenging when faced with weary situations that remain unchanged and from a worldly view seem unfair or too hard. The strength we crave comes from our hope and trust in God. While Gods will can bring physical changes about, sometimes His help or healing is of a spiritual nature only. And wow. That can be very hard to accept in our weariness. When He is all we have, all we can count on, it can certainly be enough for each day. One day we will have full understanding of these events in our earthly lives, but for now we are asked to trust God in what we cannot yet see. When I’ve been overwhelmed with challenges that appear too great I go a place I keep stories of those who found their joy in the midst of personal tragedy. Their stories remind me of Gods faithfulness. If counting on Gods faithfulness is all I have at that moment it is enough. I am reminded then that God is with us. It is not up to me to make sense of hurt or pain, only to trust that God is with me, that Heaven sees me. That revelation may never change outward circumstances, yet through the inside out, I am provided strength for that day in that moment. May God bless us with His Presence everyday that we may stand and not grow weary because He walks with us. Blessings to you all
godlove on April 6, 2016 at 11:13 am
Nice comment samgaskill. In the face of (temporary) hardships, difficulties or trials, we must always remember that in the frame of eternity, this life is but a speck. Faith in GOD and trusting in His faithfulness gives us a different perspective and helps us through adverse circumstrances.
jim spillane on April 6, 2016 at 12:49 pm
samgaskill – your comment is beautifully stated. In regards to your comment “While God’s will can bring physical changes about, sometimes His help or healing is of a spiritual nature only,” I’m reminded of the words of the apostle Paul when he was pleading with God to remove that “thorn in the flesh (that) was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me.” And what was God’s answer? “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Blessings to you as well.
jim spillane on April 6, 2016 at 12:59 pm
Ruth – thanx for opening up a very valuable thread of comments from so many inspirational forum members with your devotional today. Instances like these in my life are a wonderful reminder of the joy that awaits us in heaven. Can’t wait to see and talk with you and all the forum members when that day finally arrives! God’s richest blessings to all.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on April 6, 2016 at 2:24 pm
Hi there, today has been a particular difficult day, with many challenges and now as I read all your comments, I feel so encouraged and strengthened. Thank you for allowing God to use you to strengthen me and to build each other up in the Lord. Despite many physical hardships, we can still know strength of heart and character as we resolve to ‘wait on the Lord’. As we quiet our restless thoughts, may we know God; His abundant peace and strength. God bless and keep you all – in Jesus Christ.