by Desiree Bustamante

True Strength is Available for Everyone.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
    saying, ‘You are my servant.’
For I have chosen you
    and will not throw you away.
 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 New Living Translation

This tree at the zoo, in Omaha, Nebraska, is woven together to be so strong that it can hold children who want to climb and swing on it. It doesn’t look in any danger of breaking anytime soon with its deep roots, sturdy trunk, and firm intertwined branches.

There’s a lot of focus on being strong in our world these days. We are encouraged to work out, work hard, and work to overcome our flaws. Extreme sports are revered as are dangerous ones. Our heroes are strong, be they human or comic book characters.

Yet many never include God with those they consider to have real strength. We don’t see God literally move mountains, or defeat enemies, as He did in the Old Testament, and now we have “logical” explanations for every event that could be the result of God showing His strength.

Scripture says we can have a strong heart as a direct result of God’s love and His word. He may not strengthen us to climb a fourteener, or run an ultra-marathon, but God blesses us each moment with strength to help us withstand our weaknesses, defeat Satan’s attacks, and resist sin. Now that is the kind of superhuman strength I want in my life!

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Ephesians 3:17 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado