What it Actually Means to Be Strong
Endurance and perseverance are mentioned frequently in the Bible, especially where carrying the Gospel message forward is concerned. There is a verse in Nehemiah that proclaims, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” What does joy have to do with strength, endurance, and perseverance? The realization God loves us, completely. Before we set off in motion to accomplish what He calls us to do, He loves us completely. Neither our progress nor perfection increases His love for us. He is love. And the greatest love story of all time is His sacrifice of His Son to save us from death. This truth produces joy in our souls! The joy which doesn’t fade in debilitating seasons, but a joy that propels us forward regardless of circumstance because it’s a joy rooted in our God who never changes.
Strengthen, in 2 Corinthians 12:19, is the Greek word oikodome, “the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, happiness, and holiness.” We are called to build each other up, and in doing so, we accumulate the enduring strength we need to persevere to execute Jesus’ command to “Go.” The joy of the Lord is our strength! Together, we are propelled forward by the joy of knowing who and Whose we are, and the purpose of the work we are striving to accomplish. “Through the power of Christ, we can endure the trials and tribulations set forth,” Hope Bolinger wrote, “especially when they stand as a barrier in our ability to share the Gospel.”
Boats with two engines can be steered without moving the actual wheel. The boat can turn on a dime by backing one engine into reverse and the other forward. Adjusting the throttle controls how fast or slow the boat reacts to the direction we’ve pointed it towards. We can back down the throttle of reacting in our own strength and increase the throttle of trust and belief that Jesus will supply us with the strength we need to navigate any situation in His power and wisdom. Obedience in submission to Christ can spin our lives on a dime, just like turning a boat.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
Sthenoo is the Greek translation used to define strength in 1 Peter 5:10. It means “to make strong, strengthen, of one’s soul.” When our lives are surrendered into the hands of our Savior, we are completely strengthened, from the body to the soul. God is purposeful. He created us for connection with Him, and the other people He has placed purposefully around and among us. Not only do we find strength in Christ, but Peter adds “firm and steadfast.”
If we glance back at the six-part definition of strength in the English Dictionary, we’re faced with an impossible accomplishment. We may be able to strengthen ourselves in one area at a time, possibly even two or three- but the strength we need to accomplish the will of God in our lives and thwart the attack of the enemy is found in Christ alone. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. In our weakness, He is strong. Living in each of us, through the Holy Spirit, we can operate in a supernatural supply of strength, because the source of all strength promised never to leave us alone.
Click here to read “Bible Verses about Staying Strong.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/RobertBreitpaul
