Not in Your Own Strength, But …
1 Chronicles 16:11 Depend on the LORD for strength. Always go to him for help.
I’ve heard people say that God never asks you to do something that you’re not capable of doing. Hmm. I don’t know what planet they’re living on, but God seems constantly to be asking me to do things that are way, way … way beyond me.
None of us likes to feel inadequate. You don’t, I don’t … but in our secret heart of hearts, the truth is that we often feel confronted by things that are way beyond us.
When I was bringing up kids, I don’t think I ever felt completely on top of what it meant to be a perfect dad. Or yesterday, I had to chair a difficult meeting. I knew there was going to be conflict and whilst my gift is one of leadership, I really didn’t know if I had the goods to bring people together.
How about you? When was the last time you felt even just a bit inadequate for the task?
I’ve also heard Christians say (perhaps you have, too) that we shouldn’t do things in our own strength, but in God’s. Okay, but what does that actually mean and how is it meant to work?
1 Chronicles 16:11 Depend on the LORD for strength. Always go to him for help.
That was written by King David, with the wisdom of hindsight, having been through so many terrible, life-threatening situations in his life. It’s wisdom that comes in two parts: First, depend on God for strength. Don’t doubt, don’t overthink, don’t worry … depend on God for His strength when yours isn’t enough. And second, how do you lay hold of that strength? By always …did you get that? always … going to Him for help. So the next time you feel inadequate, go to God and ask for His strength. Because that’s precisely what He wants you to do.
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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Ronnie de Klerk
As someone who was recently thrust into chairmanship of our community tustee body,I have been asking God for Wisdom.In ...
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As someone who was recently thrust into chairmanship of our community tustee body,I have been asking God for Wisdom.In the very practical book of James, God offers to provide wisdom.
However, I am realising that there are prerequisites beside the faith mentioned. This is a blessed learning curve and an opportunity for spiritual growth! Some lessons are obedience, perseverance, rejoicing in difficulty. It is not an overnight enterprise.
Roxanne
Hello, That is great but I think the wording of the scripture is different. I have included two references in different ...
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Hello,
That is great but I think the wording of the scripture is different.
I have included two references in different translations:
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” – NKJV
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” – NIV
To seek the Lords face is to draw near to him…..that is different from going to him for help. We should of course do both but it is not good to take scripture out of context.
Also the book of Chronicles is not written by David: “The chronicler,” as scholars have long referred to the author of this book, is anonymous. Jewish tradition speculates that Ezra could have written 1 and 2 Chronicles, which—like Samuel and Kings—originally formed one work.