There are times in our lives when we must draw deep from the well for that inner strength. These are challenging times.
Sadly, some of our acquaintances will succumb to the trials of life. Their well of inner strength may be quite shallow and inadequate to give them the tenacity they need to persevere and keep from sinking into the quagmire of their despair.
Yes, I had trials before accepting Christ in 1984 at the age of 40. Fortunately, my parents did an admirable job in preparing me for the adversities of life.
That foundational training took me through 18 months in Vietnam, two failed marriages and several stints of unanticipated unemployment.
Also, I Imagine those 11 years of playing organized baseball strengthened me for the adversity I faced in life as well.
Often, we have family and friends to help us through the challenges we must face, but we need to do the hard work of personally facing those life challenges head on.
Imagine a matador facing an angry bull. That bull represents the unexpected circumstances faced on our life journey.
We may have others supporting us, but we still must face that imaginary bull on our own. Once we’ve defeated that imaginary bull, we realize the strength available for whatever lies ahead.
This is all well: however, there is a Helper, a Comforter available to be in our corner Who will make the challenges of life seem easily surmountable.
I’m talking about the Holy Spirit dwelling in the heart of all who follow Christ Jesus.
What may have seemed insurmountable to most, can actually be overcome with ease when our Advocate provides the inner strength that can only be accessed through Him.
It’s truly a wonderful experience to call upon the Lord to take us by the hand and pull us out of the quagmire of despair.
Unfortunately, most will not consider that there is spiritual help available for those who call upon the name of the Lord.
Let me take you to Hebrews 11 and allow the writer to share a few verses that talk about the faith demonstrated by a number of Old Testament saints.
From Hebrews 11:32-34: “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and round foreign armies.”
In those days, the Holy Spirit would come upon these chosen few. In this Age of Grace, we can allow the Spirit of God to actually enter into our being and sense His presence. We are truly blessed!
In closing, let me share these words written by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who strengthens me.”