The Secret of Strength

Psalms 46:1; Proverbs 10:29

Strength is the one necessary thing in this wordly-world. It is the all necessary and all seeking element for the Christian today. When we simply think of strength, physical strength; we immediately think of Samson, Hercules, Achilles, Agathocles, Mitradetes, Atlas, the Vikings, and others. When we search for a definition and deeper meaning, we find an array of common words and their equivalents; strong, resisting force, source of power, ability to withstand stress, moral courage and integrity. It goes on and on, into tangents and bizarre applications and diversions; the magnificent history and tradition which is the “strength” of the church, a quality of flour that determines volume and texture of the loaf dependent on the amount of protein in it, etc., etc. (Random House Diet. 2nd Ed., 1987)

But, here we are not speaking of the power of the world; the power of wealth, nor the power of force, but the power of God. Well, how is it revealed then? It’s revealed in and through His everlasting love to men. This is the mainspring or principle basis of all His authority and power. So, who is the power for? The power of the spirit is for all, but where love is wanting and this heavenly principle is not in the heart, all our works are but “sounding brass, and our works profit nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:1).

If we could but wield, or exercise the strength of God, and so be able to do the works of God, we must take hold of this power by faith. Then how does it work? “… but faith which worketh by love.” (Gal. 5:6) Intellectual, and moral, yes, also physical strength will then be given by God according to His promises. Paul tells us: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding Abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” (Eph. 3:20).

All of this is very nice, one might say, but why does He not do it then? He continues, “Yes, Lord, let it come home to me with all thine force!” Why is He not working in me according to His glorious power?” Profound questions arise. Is He slack concerning His promises? No. A respecter of persons? No. (Acts 10:34, 35). Biased, prejudiced? No. His word a failure? No. Is He unconcerned about the salvation of men? Not at all. Now, then, what is the matter? “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” (Mark 9:23). Furthermore, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil. 3:3). We are progressing here in strength: “all things are possible to him that believeth,” and “have no confidence in the flesh.” If we are indifferent or of unbelief, then what? The Lord says about these things, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.” (Jer 17:5).

But, ye are to do what, then? Trust in the Lord and His everlasting strength. What is it then? Where is this strength? Simply, we do not trust Him; we do not believe His word; we do not roll ourselves upon the Lord; in a way to take hold of His promise.

We get strength from two sources; the temporal and spiritual. We eat for strength. “Princes eat for strength.” (Eccl. 10:17). Saul was told, “eat, that thou mayest have strength.” ( 1 Sam 28:22). There are many among us, I imagine, that if it were not for the temporal bread, “we would die”, and no doubt they would indeed die. They just do not roll their life upon the Lord to that point to get or claim… physical strength. Then, when they are brought down with sickness, their faith is not up to that level or point to be healed. So then, what’s your level of faith? Well, the measure now of faith is the measure of Christ’s gift to you today and will be tomorrow also.

Faith is not merely hope. Surprised? Let me explain further. We may hope the Lord will work for us. But, it is our privilege to know He will do it for us and walk in that faith and grace day by day.
We are invited to trust the Lord for His everlasting strength to be given us and to make Him your strength. (2T 48). Now, again, if there is such a vast reservoir of strength that may be had, if we will only bring our lives into harmony with God, why are we not taking hold upon it fully; so, in the time of trouble we shall know the source from which help conies? Furthermore, we do not believe that “prayer is the source of Christian strength.” (7T 43); another dreadful mistake.
The often quoted text of Isa. 40:28-31 makes this very relevant. “Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” The faint are those lacking courage or spirit, the weak, feeble, dejected, and yes, the cowardly. The Lord increases strength, for, “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appear before God.” (Ps. 84: 5,7). “In the struggles with powers of evil”, (3TT 430-1), “Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually…”(IChr. 16:11)

“Even the youth shall faint and be weary and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isa. 40:30, 31).

When is this “rockbound” strength made perfect, then? The Apostle Paul says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor. 12:9). The prophet Amos on one hand has a vision of a famine in hearing the words of the Lord, and foretells, “In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” (Amos 8:13). The Apostle Peter, in the healing of the lame man from birth, “took him by the right hand and lifted him up: immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:7,8). What remarkable strength! What divine power!

To those who have no might he increases strength if they will… “wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Ps. 27:14). But, no, we have so long trusted in the strength of the arm of flesh. It’s like throwing ourselves into the “jaws” of the lion and merciless destruction to have temporal sustenance taken from us. Hence, we do not venture to rely upon the unseen. Nor, to “seek the Lord, and His strength: to seek His face evermore.” (Ps. 105:4). Why must we persistently and faithfully “seek the Lord”? Because “…thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy.” (Nah 3:11). Even the youths in the daring and foolish pride of their strength shall fall! “They will be accountable for their use of strength.” (IT 178).

But, he who takes the strength of God, shall “change” his strength, putting off weakness, and putting on God’s power. “They shall run and not be weary.” (Isa 40:31). Are you experiencing weariness? Perhaps you have lost you connection with God, or violated a law of nature. Can you identify with God? Have you purposely lost your touch with the Saviour? And are weary in God’s work? Weariness in God’s work in nonexistent. God’s service should be a joy and Christian activity, an edifying strength, abounding in zeal and energy. There are grand men and women although who get where Elijah was—under the juniper tree and it comes very soothingly to such to hear the words of the Master: “The journey is too great for thee, and I am going to refresh you.” (1 Kings 19:7). The physical needed to be cared for. Let us not confound physical weariness with spiritual weakness. If weariness sets in, however, then return to the Lord; rely on his strength, and treasure your time for it’s God’s time.

Let your prayer be, “O Lord, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction… “(Jer. 16:19); and, “now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ.” Rev. 12:10). This is “The Secret of Strength”!
AMEN.