Throughout Scripture, strength is not measured by human might or worldly power, but by God’s faithful working in those who trust Him. True strength comes from hearing God’s Word, resting in His promises, and depending entirely upon His grace. Let us reflect on some of the “strong things” that mark the believer’s walk with God.
First, Abraham was strong in faith.
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.” (Romans 4:20, BSB).
Abraham’s strength was not rooted in sight, feeling, or circumstance, but in simple, childlike trust in what Jehovah had spoken. Strength of faith always flows from steadfast reliance upon the unfailing Word of God.
Second, Christ Himself, in the extremity of His suffering, offered strong crying and tears.
“During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.” (Hebrews 5:7, BSB).
Even the sinless Son of God poured out His soul in agony. True strength is not the absence of sorrow, but the full surrender of all our need to the Father’s sovereign will.
Third, strong meat belongs to the mature.
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12, BSB).
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14, BSB).
The deep, nourishing truths of God’s Word are for those who have grown in grace—those willing to chew on its riches, meditate upon its depths, and be trained by its demands.
Fourth, strong consolation is granted to those who trust in God’s unchanging Word and oath.
“Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” (Hebrews 6:18, BSB).
Here is strength for the trembling soul: God’s promise and God’s oath—double assurance from the God who cannot lie.
Fifth, those who are weak in themselves find they are strong in God’s grace.
Paul testifies,
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, BSB).
The paradox of grace is that real strength is only known when human sufficiency is stripped away, and the soul clings to Christ alone.
Sixth, those who are strong in the Lord are able to stand firm.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10–11, BSB).
Our armor is useless unless we first draw strength from the Lord Himself. His strength, not ours, is our defense in every spiritual battle.
Seventh, we are made strong through the ability of Christ.
Peter, speaking of the healing of the lame man, says,
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong.” (Acts 3:16, BSB).
Paul exhorts Timothy likewise,
“You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1, BSB).
In every season, in every task, it is the grace of Christ that makes the believer strong, capable, and fruitful.
Dear friend, where does your strength lie today?
Are you resting in the promises of God, feeding on the strong meat of His Word, clothed in His armor, strengthened by His grace?
The Lord delights to make His people strong—not in their own power, but in His.
For further meditation, consider:
Isaiah 40:29–31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… but those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
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