“Be strong!”  God said, “I am sending you.”  Moses’ response, “Who am I…what shall I say…suppose they will not listen…I am slow in speech…send someone else.” (cf. Exodus 3)

God said, “ You mighty man of valor!”   Gideon’s response, “my clan is the weakest…I am the least!” (cf. Judges 6)

Caleb at eighty-five years old, said, “I am strong…now therefore, give me this mountain!”

David, a little shepherd boy stood against Goliath.  Goliath looked at him with distain for he was only a youth and Goliath was a seasoned warrior!  David acknowledged “the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into my hands!” (cf. 1 Sam.)

The Apostle Paul, as he was sitting on death role, instructed/encouraged fearful Timothy to “be strong!” (cf. 2 Timothy 2)  Maybe I don’t feel strong.  Maybe I don’t measure up to the task.  Just maybe, I don’t want to be strong.  Maybe I’m tired of being strong!  That’s ok, because it is not your strength, but the strength available through grace in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

In the examples above, and all the examples in the Bible, the men and women that God used came to understand that God is always greater than the battles of life!  God is greater than your feelings!  God is greater than your emotions!  God is greater than your hardships!  God is greater than your battles!  Therefore with all assurance “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust!”

(Psalm 91:2)

Pastor Rodney