We saw that David “strengthened himself” in God, and that meant being able to trust God on the darkest of days because He is faithful, and always at work in our lives.
The question remains, though, what is the need for strength, power, or might in the Christian life? Why does God promise this power, and just how do we use it?
The short answer is “to do God’s will,” or “to accomplish all the Lord has for us to do.” It’s crucial that we grasp this, for we may feel that we are not able to live up to our calling, or believe that somehow God’s will is beyond us.
The Bible teaches us that power is available so we can. . .
resist Satan. Ephesians 6:10, 11
overcome specific temptations. 1 Corinthians 10:13
fulfill God’s purposes for us. 2 Thessalonians 1:11
share the gospel with the nations. Acts 1:8
overcome our own weakness. 2 Corinthians 4:7; 12:9
know God’s love more fully. Ephesians 3:16-19
act out our purposes to do good by faith. 2 Thessalonians 1:11
rejoice, even in the midst of our trials. Colossians 1:11
endure suffering as believers. 1 Peter 5:10, 11
gain access to every blessing in Jesus. 2 Peter 1:3
do all that God is asking us to do. Philippians 4:12, 13
This constant, ever-available power supply enables us to persevere in any and every situation. Our prayer is not for power, but rather the insight and faith to draw upon the life that we have in Jesus.
It’s a great way to live, and the only way to live joyfully. It eliminates not only our excuses, but our need to make them, and draws us toward our future with hope by stabilizing us in the present.
“. . . His incomparably great power for us who believe.
That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead
and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 1:19, 20