Your Strength or God's?

At some point we have all become frustrated by our circumstances and when we do we need to ask ourselves if we are relying on our own strength or God's. I would guess in that moment we are relying on our own, hence the frustration.

Philippians 4:13 NIV

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

When we actively seek God and learn how to rely on His strength, He will give us the strength to patiently wait on His timing. Let's take a look at a few Biblical figures who relied heavily on God and see how He helped them overcome their trials.

I want to encourage you to read through Hebrews Chapter 11 because it gives an account of various people living by faith and relying on God's strength.

Noah - was given perseverance and strength to build the ark and God saved his family from the flood. Genesis chapter 6-9, 9:1-3; Hebrews 11:7 I wonder if Noah was overwhelmed by size of the arc God was asking him to build?

Abraham - was led out of his country and given a son in his old age, he was also given reassurance that God would provide another sacrifice in place of his son Isaac. Genesis chapter 12-15, 12:1-4, 22:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-19 Reflect on the amount of trust Abraham had in God as his son asked him where the lamb was to sacrifice and Abraham replied by saying "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Genesis 22:8.

Joseph - despite the fact that his brothers tried to kill him, God protected him and put him in charge of a nation which ended up helping his family during a famine. Genesis 37, 39, 41-47; Hebrews 11:22 Would you have responded the same way as Joseph when his brothers came to him asking for help even after everything they did to him? It was a true test of his character and love for his family.

David - despite his sins (adultery & murder) God forgave him and even blessed him. Acts 13:22; 1 Chronicles 18:14; Hebrews 11:32-33 This gives us hope as sinners doesn't it?

Moses - his parents trusted God to save their son when he was placed in the river and Moses trusted God to help him lead their people out of slavery. Exodus chapters 2-18; Numbers 12:3; Hebrews 11:24-29 How often have we responded to God like Moses? Thinking we don't have what it takes to do what God is asking us to do and yet God provided for him to save their people. This should boost our confidence knowing God can provide exactly what we need to accomplish His will.

Daniel - God protected Daniel from the lions. Ezekiel 14:14; Daniel 6:19-28 Our God is our protector and provider, this doesn't always seem like it when tragedies are happening around us. Trust God to provide strength in the midst of devastating times.

Take a moment to look at your current circumstances and compare your situation with the list of people above. Think about how God saved Joseph from his brothers, Daniel from the lions, or Moses from the flood. I hope by realizing how God saved them, you will see the possibility that God can do the same for you because God has proven that He can do the impossible. We can and should put your faith and trust in Him!

Ephesians 3:20 NIV

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Friends, when you find yourself relying on your own strength and feeling overwhelmed by your trials and circumstances, think of all the people in the Bible who relied on God's strength to help them overcome their various trials because when you keep this perspective you will realize that God can help you overcome yours too! Stay strong...

Isaiah 41:13 NIV says, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime