A Source of Strength

By Charles Stanley

Are you, or someone you love, experiencing hardship at this very moment? As unforeseen trials enter our lives, it is easy to stop and wonder why God does not tell us ahead of time that rough waters are ahead.

Isaiah 55:8 explains that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and neither are His ways our ways. Therefore, we can presume that in His infinite love and wisdom, God has chosen not to explain to us many of the mysteries of life. Once in a while, He may give us a signal about something that is going to take place, but most of the time He doesn’t.

It is vitally important that you and I are continually growing in our Christian life so that whenever trials come our way, we’ll be ready for them. Most importantly, when we find ourselves in a situation over which we have no control, we must know where to turn, and that is to our heavenly Father. In Him is the strength we need to endure, survive, and triumph over the most difficult circumstances in life.

The apostle Paul was intimately familiar with enduring great hardships and being pushed to the limits of his strength. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he reminds his fellow believers of the hurt and suffering he endured. "For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction . . . that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death" (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

As Paul so wisely points out, each of us will be faced with trials in life that require strength beyond our human capacity. When these situations arise, we have a choice to make: we can turn inward and direct our frustration and anger toward God, or we can reach out to Him for help. How we respond to trying circumstances is a measure of our faith and maturity in Jesus Christ.

Yet, as you look at your current situation, you may be thinking, "But I just can’t take it anymore." Perhaps another person has wronged you again and again. Maybe you are in a work environment that is filled with temptation, or a living situation in which you are constantly criticized. Your personal trial may involve something even greater, such as physical illness or the loss of a loved one.

Should we just check out and run away because we don’t have the strength to endure these things? The answer, my friend, is no. After all, the apostle Paul could have said, "God, everywhere I turn there is conflict. I’m in constant danger. If You want me to preach the Gospel, either correct this situation or I am giving up."

There is a basic principle for walking through life’s difficulties. Even though there will be valleys and moments of discouragement, we must relinquish "our way" and submit to God’s way, which is the only way to survive and endure without losing our peace and joy.

The Giver of Strength

When you begin to trust God in your times of need, you will soon discover that there is divine strength available to you. It expresses itself intellectually, morally, physically, and spiritually, and arises at the moment it is needed to allow you to face and overcome your obstacles. This is the strength that the apostle Paul experienced over and over again. It is the power that is available to every child of God but only through total reliance upon Him.

The tragedies of our lives can be transformed into triumphs through the source of this strength–the person of Jesus Christ. When we, by faith, received Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, He came to dwell within us in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Essentially, all the strength to survive, the power to endure, and the ability to overcome are already abiding in you in the very presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, God doesn’t have to send something down from heaven to enable you to face your trials. His greatest gift is already in your possession. Your responsibility is to trust Him, listen to Him, and live in obedience to Him.

Why did God send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us? Because He understood our weaknesses and frailties. He knew that we could not survive on our own. For example, Jesus knew that the disciples would face great trials and tribulations relating to His death. He even knew that they would deny and betray him. Realizing the things that were to come, He told His devoted followers, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18).

Jesus’ promise involved the sending of a Helper, part of Himself, to remain with them so that they would never be alone. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you" (John 14:26).

And this promise was fulfilled when Jesus ascended to heaven. God sent the Holy Spirit so that from that moment on, every believer could be in constant communion and fellowship with Him. He indwelt in every believer enough strength and power to enable us to face every circumstance of life.

A Purpose for Our Trials

While it is comforting to know that we are not alone during our trials, many believers become confused about why we must experience hardships at all. What is their purpose in our lives? The answer can be found in Philippians 4:13, where Paul makes a familiar statement that is often quoted, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Do you know how Paul learned the value of this statement? The discovery came through experiencing trials and being thrown into impossible situations. Therefore, we can discern a primary purpose for hardship: not until we have experienced trials firsthand, can we understand the adequacy of Christ in our lives. We can read about tragedies in the lives of others, and we can witness terrible acts on television, yet until we are in need of God’s grace and mercy, we will never understand their worth.

How can you be assured of God’s strength? Surprisingly, the answer lies in weakness–the opposite of strength. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul shares a great revelation regarding his own weaknesses, "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

What does all this mean? Friend, it means that when we are weak, when you and I are at the end of our ropes, we can exchange our weaknesses for the glory of God’s strength. It means that to the degree you are willing to be weak, to that same degree you are willing to experience strength.

To the world this makes no sense at all. Why would someone desire to be weak? All of the messages around us say, "be strong, be beautiful, be rich" but God says, "Be poor in spirit, full of weakness and humility." (Matthew 5:3) He says this so that you will be able to experience and understand the strength that is available to you through Him.

When you and I learn that it is in our weakest moments–when we cannot help ourselves, when we feel out of control–that God can step in and be free to do His greatest work in empowering and strengthening us, our trust in Him will begin to increase. We will realize that these are the times in which we become the most equipped and enabled to endure the toughest trials and tribulations of our lives.