Do you remember Popeye? It was a cartoon about a sailor who was in love with a girl named Olive Oyl. Of course, the story included a bad guy, Bluto. He was big, strong, and mean, always looking to steal the girl. Popeye, being smaller and weaker, was pretty helpless until he ate spinach. The spinach would give him strength, he would grow huge muscles, defeat his enemies, and rescue his girl.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was something we could eat and get all the strength we needed in order to accomplish all of our tasks? Nice, but not realistic. However, we do have an even greater means of strength, and no spinach is required.
The Strength You Need
We all need strength. Physically we need it in order to live. We need muscles in order to walk, pick up our kids, and pretty much do all physical tasks. We also need mental strength in order to work through problems, have coherent conversations, and be able to help others through their problems. And we need spiritual strength because doubt constantly creeps into our hearts, and Satan continually attacks God’s people.
The Strength You Lack
Every single one of us grows tired, discouraged and worn out from time to time. Sometimes it is sooner than we think, or this weakness can last longer than anticipated. The reason we experience weakness is because we are limited. We are limited in what we can handle physically, mentally, and even spiritually. Not only do we find ourselves weak, so is everyone around us. We need a strength that is stronger than man’s.
The Strength You Receive
I love it when little kids try to help their parents carry heavy items. They strain their muscles thinking they are bearing the weight, not realizing that their parent is actually carrying the load. The child is participating, struggling even, working with all their might, but they have abundant help.
Our verse today tells us that if we wait on the Lord, we will have our strength renewed, but how does this work?
Having our strength renewed requires that we learn to wait on God for the things that we need. This is an active waiting, where we continue to do the things we are called to do. Where we continue to put one foot in front of the other, but we also wait expectantly for God to act, to heal, to redeem, to give wisdom, and to provide. This active waiting is done by faith.
Then our strength will be renewed. This does not mean that God will give us everything we think we need, but it means that he will give us all the grace we need to persevere with hope.
Know the God you say you love! And learn to rest in that knowledge waiting expectantly for God to work in and through your life. Then you will be able to soar above your storms to a place that is calm because it will be Lord working in you that brings you to the place of peace and joy.
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I always enjoy the love god greatly studies. This last one on the promises of God was great! For some reason, I didn’t get the last two days. If I am not subscribed anymore, I want to be again. God bless you in your work for Him.