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Strength

by Scott Wylie

Strength is a biblical quality that is frequently mentioned in the scriptures. In the Bible, strength refers to more than just physical power. It involves having the inner resources to face challenges and overcome obstacles with courage, perseverance, and resilience.

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Infographic on the Biblical characteristic of Strength

What is Strength?

Strength is a biblical quality that is frequently mentioned in the scriptures. In the Bible, strength refers to more than just physical power. It involves having the inner resources to face challenges and overcome obstacles with courage, perseverance, and resilience. The strength that the Bible talks about comes from God, and is seen as a key component of spiritual growth and maturity.

One of the most well-known passages about strength is found in the book of Isaiah, where the author writes, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31, ESV). This passage suggests that strength comes from waiting on the Lord, and that God is the source of our strength.

Another well-known passage about strength is found in the book of Philippians, where the author writes, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13, ESV). This passage suggests that our strength comes from Christ, who enables us to face any challenge or difficulty with confidence and determination.

Cultivate Strength

So, how can we develop the biblical quality of strength in our own lives? Here are a few tips:

  1. Seek God's strength. Strength that comes from God is the ultimate source of strength. Spend time in prayer and ask God to strengthen you in your weaknesses.
  2. Practice perseverance. Perseverance involves staying the course even when things get difficult. Set goals for yourself, and work towards them with determination and focus.
  3. Cultivate courage. Courage involves facing challenges with confidence and determination, even in the face of fear. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone, trusting that God is with you.
  4. Practice gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, we are more likely to find the strength to face challenges with a positive attitude. Take time each day to thank God for His provision and grace.
  5. Build supportive relationships. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you in your goals and aspirations. Seek wise counsel from others when facing difficult decisions.
  6. Take care of your physical health. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep can all contribute to physical and mental strength.
  7. Be open to change. Change can be difficult, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and development. Embrace change with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.
  8. Focus on the positive. Dwelling on negative thoughts and emotions can sap our strength and energy. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your life and the possibilities for growth and change.
  9. Embrace challenges. Challenges can be an opportunity for growth and development. Instead of shying away from challenges, embrace them with a spirit of determination and perseverance.
  10. Practice self-care. Taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually can all contribute to our strength and resilience. Practice self-care regularly, and make time for activities that restore and energize you.

Prayer and Reading Guide for Developing Strength

Here are ten things people could pray for to develop strength, along with a corresponding Bible verse from the English Standard Version (ESV):

  1. Pray for the ability to wait on the Lord:
    "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31
  2. Pray for the ability to trust in God's strength:
    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1
  3. Pray for the ability to persevere through difficult times:
    "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12
  4. Pray for the ability to find strength in weakness:
    "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
  5. Pray for the ability to overcome fear:
    "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
  6. Pray for the ability to love others with strength:
    "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7
  7. Pray for the ability to forgive with strength:
    "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
  8. Pray for the ability to find strength in joy:
    "The joy of the Lord is your strength." - Nehemiah 8:10
  9. Pray for the ability to find strength in rest:
    "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29
  10. Pray for the ability to find strength in hope:
    "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

In summary, praying for the ability to wait on the Lord, trust in God's strength, persevere through difficult times, find strength in weakness, overcome fear, love others with strength, forgive with strength, find strength in joy, find strength in rest, and find strength in hope can all help to develop strength, which is an essential quality for spiritual growth and maturity. As we grow in strength, we will become more like Christ, who was the ultimate example of strength and resilience in the face of suffering and adversity.

In conclusion, the biblical quality of strength is an essential component of spiritual growth and maturity. By seeking God's strength, practicing perseverance, cultivating courage, practicing gratitude, building supportive relationships, taking care of our physical health, being open to change, focusing on the positive, embracing challenges, and practicing self-care, we can begin to develop this important quality in our own lives. As we grow in strength, we will become more like Christ, who was the ultimate example of strength and resilience in the face of suffering and adversity.

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