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Strengthened by Christ

Andrea Lende • July 12, 2022

II Timothy 2:1

Strengthened by Christ

 

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Strengthened-by-Christ-e1l4nmh

 

II Timothy 2:1

 

So you, my son, be strong (strengthened inwardly) in the grace (spiritual blessing) that is [to be found only] in Christ Jesus.

 

 

There are days I wake up feeling weak.

 

There are other days I wake up feeling strong and powerful until something comes up to derail me.

 

Then feelings of powerlessness rise up within me, and I feel incapable.

 

Incapable of being productive, moving forward, and serving as God asks.

 

Sometimes I give in to these feelings.

 

Sometimes I don’t.

 

How can we recover more quickly when our emotions spiral out of control?

 

Our passage says the secret to being inwardly strengthened is in the spiritual blessing offered through Christ.

 

Paul told Timothy that grace found only in Christ is the only thing that can truly strengthen our spirits.

 

While we may look to other things for comfort throughout the day, it is more powerful to look to our Savior for renewed strength instead.

 

Sometimes I forget.

 

I forget to call upon the Lord, first.

 

Instead, I may call on a friend or family member hoping for a little sympathy.

 

Hoping they tell me to slow down and take it easy.

 

Hoping they will give me permission to give into my emotions and feelings.

 

I look for permission to be less than my best when I should be asking the Lord for strength to do His best.

 

I should be asking Him to help me complete the tasks He has given to me to further His purpose.

 

My first responsibility is to God, not to myself.

 

He will, indeed, help us get through the upset, obstacle, or hindrance that is keeping us from doing our best for Him.

 

The enemy is constantly seeking to derail us from God’s course.

                                                             

He is constantly trying to distract us and thwart God’s will.

 

If we recognize this quickly, we can fight to stand our ground more powerfully.

 

Fight to stay connected to the Lord.

 

Fight for God’s will over our own.

 

Today I choose to seek God and His strength as he helps me withstand the advances from the enemy.

 

May you find the Lord will strengthen you in all ways so that you are able to withstand the advances from the enemy.

 

 

Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, thank You for being our Strength. Thank You for strengthening us with Your Holy Spirit through Your Son Who gave His life to make it so. Lord, help us come to You for help as we have need. Help us completely rely on You. Help us resist the temptation to rely on others for sympathy and comfort when You are truly all we need. Keep the enemy far from us today. Help us recognize Your Holy Spirit and not be led astray by the enemy’s schemes. Keep us close to You. Keep us Yours, Lord. Help us bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: I AM with you and will strengthen you in all ways. Lean into Me.

Response: Thank You for strengthening us, Almighty God. Amen



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