Wednesday, June 26, 2013 - 3:40 pm

Considering the fact that over the last few days I've been reminded that my strength comes from God, it should come as no surprise to me that 2 Timothy 2:1 would stand out today. "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." From what I've heard of the meaning of the word 'grace', I would also read this as, "...be strong in the strength that Christ Jesus supplies to you for carrying out what He has called you to do." It seems like there's a theme going on this week or something. On that note, I'll focus on a few other verses that talk about that. Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Psalm 31:24 says, "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." A couple examples of this are found in Daniel and Haggai. Daniel 10:19 says, " 'Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,' he said. 'Peace! Be strong now; be strong.' When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, 'Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.' " Haggai 2:4 says, " 'But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty." I can tell often enough when I don't have much strength. What I need to do is rely on the strength that God gives, because when I don't have enough strength, God does.