(By Rachel Joyce)
When we pray about something that is deeply burdening our hearts, but do not see tangible results, it’s easy to become disheartened. The longer it goes on, the harder it becomes. Bitterness and discouragement can creep in.
We may respond by emotionally closing ourselves off from God. If the situation is extremely painful, depression may set in. But even when our situation is beyond our ability to endure, God’s strength is always there for us.
The Christian life is a spiritual battle and, quite honestly, our strength is very small. But our God has promised to supply us with His immeasurable strength.
He reminds us in His Word that His grace is sufficient and that His strength is “made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9). Our weakness is the perfect background for His strength to shine forth in its glorious power.
Human strength is never enough to accomplish the plans of God. Only out of the strength that He supplies, can we truly live, worship, and serve Him (1 Peter 4:11).
Whether we’re praying for others, seeking to advance some gospel endeavor, or simply living our daily life, as Christians, we are to draw from the deep reservoirs belonging to our Father.
It’s the faith-walk concept.
He calls us to live out of His strength, listen for His voice to guide us step by step, and trust that His hand is gently clasped in ours as we walk through our day.
As we pray, we know that the Holy Spirit is taking our words and translating them into heaven’s language. Every sorrow of our hearts and all of our deepest longings are being laid before the Father in a holy utterance that moves His heart.
And our Savior, with His scarred hands bearing witness of His love for us, is interceding for us as well. We never pray alone.
His prayers are for us. His strength is ours. And His everlasting arms hold us securely. No matter how difficult life may be, He will continue to supply the strength we need until we are finally home with Him forever.
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you…They go from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:5,7).