(a chapter from the section, The Growth Paradigm, of my book, Heaven on Earth)
The strength that we speak of is not a raw brute physical strength of an Olympian weight lifter. The strength we speak of is a spiritual strength which is visible only when one’s character or leadership is tested. One of my pastors has preached that one’s character is tested on the mountaintop, but one’s leadership is tested in the valley. The spiritual strength is what we need to withstand the test of our challenges in good times and in tough times. And at the same time, our challenges, our good times, our tough times, our trials and our tribulations, are used to build our spiritual strength.
When we trust God, when we depend on God totally for our sustenance, when we lean our whole weight on God, when we yield our flesh to His Spirit, when we get out of the way and allow Jesus to emerge, we grow in His strength. In the gym, we build physical strength by resistance training by exerting physical force to lift weights. Where physical strength is concerned, the more force we exert, the stronger we are. In our spiritual training, we learn to yield to, rather than to resist, an opposing force, to allow God to work through us. God’s strength is frequently contrary to our logical reasoning and understanding.
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
… God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
As sons of God, we become inheritors of the kingdom of God, reflecting His nature. We get out of the way and allowing Jesus to emerge … We do this by yielding to the Spirit of God living within us.
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
He must become greater; I must become less.
The power of God is working within us … Jesus is the power of God and the wisdom of God … Jesus is the word of God made flesh … Allow the word of God implanted in our hearts to work within us …
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
We Love and We Live
Show us the love for each other
As we seek Your face
Show us the life that You gave to us
As we run this race
May we know the glory
Of Your kingdom within
We give all the glory
We give all unto You
We honor You, Lord,
For each new day
We give praise to You, Lord,
in all of Your ways
May we know the glory
Of Your kingdom within
We give all the glory
We give all unto You
May the grace and peace of Abba Father the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
Word Sabre, scribe for Abba Father, LORD GOD, Lord Most High, Lord Jesus Christ.