What does real strength look like?

When faced with challenges and difficulties, it is important that our faith and trust remain in GOD. Trusting in GOD looks a lot different than trusting in your own strength. What is known as the “fall of man” occurred when Adam and Eve decided to make a go at life without trusting GOD as life. Since then, the world has been separated from GOD in mental independence. When there are challenges or difficulties in life, people drawing from their own strength have a tendency to firm up their resolve and become more determined in their actions to address the issue. There is a visible hardness about their countenance that says, “I am like steel and a grounded rock, I will not be hurt or moved.”

When we have truly learned to trust GOD, it looks very different. There is a difference in trying to be the rock verses standing on the rock. The Lord GOD is our firm foundation and the solid rock on which we stand. Those who have accepted the invitation of Christ to rest in Him by ceasing from their own works and doing things their own way cast their burdens on Him and rest. Surrendering to the power of GOD and the releasing of burdens show up in a meek, calm, and relaxed demeanor that acknowledges the reality of GOD’s strength being perfected in our weakness. We understand that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. We must practice bowing to the spirit of GOD as the palm trees yield to the wind.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the centurions came to arrest Christ, Peter drew his sword, but Christ told him to stand down. Peter really didn’t understand the sovereignty of the power in Christ. King David, the valiant warrior, had to learn how to stand down and let the Lord fight His battles. King David is recorded in the book of Psalms often praying that the Lord would keep him from shame for putting his trust in Him. Trimming down your army before a battle can look really foolish to the world and puts your reputation at risk so that GOD’s would get the glory.

¹³ I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. ¹⁴ Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalms 27:13-14 KJV)