Daniel 11:32 “They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits.”
It is important to understand and meditate on the strength of God in us. Paul in the Epistles says “Be strong in the Lord and in the might of His power.” Knowing God is different from being strong in the Lord. We know our God and the more we know Him, the more we become stronger.
Weak people let things happen. Strong people make things happen. This is true in the spiritual aspect as well. Spiritually weak people or those who are weak in faith let things happen or see what will happen. They do not take control of the circumstances. Conversely, spiritually strong people or people with faith make things happen.
It is true that God is not in control of the circumstances. This world is given to man and we have to take control over the circumstances and situations by the power of God in us. So if we know God and His power we will seek and do things to overcome the situations around us.
To face challenges, we need to believe that we are strong in Christ. In the time of trouble, if we lose our hope, we lose everything. If we lose the faith and the knowledge of Christ in us, we have nothing to hold on to. But if we build ourselves with the knowledge of Christ in us, it brings the hope of glory.
In the Bible, great men and women accomplished mighty acts by tapping into the power of God within them. They actively operated in this power to triumph over challenges. Conversely, spiritually weak individuals often resort to passive prayer, hoping for some magic to happen. On the other hand, spiritually strong individuals not only pray but also speak and adopt an attitude that aligns with receiving God’s power. They rise and take action, ensuring that whatever they undertake prospers. Many people in Biblical history possessed significant callings, yet their simple and spiritually weak mindset hindered them from achieving greatness. In contrast, a select few underwent a transformation, renewing their minds and adjusting their attitudes. This shift allowed them to dream, imagine, and fully embrace the available power of God. Their ability to see and interpret things differently became a catalyst for their success.
2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” NKJV
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (NIV)
For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His. (Amplified Bible)
The Lord’s eyes are actively searching for hearts that are wholeheartedly committed, diligent, and reliant on Him. When the Lord finds such people, He will stand on their behalf and strengthen them. He is in us and with us but doesn’t work directly but works on our behalf.
To measure our commitment to God, we can examine our response when faced with challenges like Goliath, the lion, the Red Sea, Jericho, or the Anakites. Being fully committed means taking the next step even when these obstacles surround us. It involves trusting in God, the destiny placed upon us, and the anointing bestowed upon us. This commitment extends to taking the next step, even to the point of risking one’s life. If our faith fails, we are dead. God seeks individuals who are proactive and engaged, those who are willing to act. He anoints people, but they must accept, believe, and act upon that anointing. Weak people wait for something to happen and let things happen. David, faced with the giant Goliath, although he had no clear plan, he knew he had to confront the challenge. In contrast, the Israelite camp, including King Saul, prayed, worshiped, and sacrificed, but they waited passively for 40 days. But there came David who believed the anointing upon him and a man of faith a man like Isaac who in the time of famine saw no rain but sowed. His decision wasn’t a rash decision but rooted in his understanding of God. David, although uncertain about the strategy, did not wait for things to happen. He embraced the power and fire of God within him, seeking the Lord through prayer and meditation. Empowered by the Spirit’s leading, he confronted and defeated Goliath, showcasing the transformative results of active faith and commitment.
To measure our commitment to God, we can examine our response when faced with challenges like Goliath, the lion, the Red Sea, Jericho, or the Anakites. Being fully committed means taking the next step even when these obstacles surround us. It involves trusting in God, the destiny placed upon us, and the anointing bestowed upon us. This commitment extends to taking the next step, even to the point of risking one’s life. If our faith fails, we are dead. God seeks individuals who are proactive and engaged, those who are willing to act. He anoints people, but they must accept, believe, and act upon that anointing. Weak
The power of God is accessible to all of us; He is in us, with us, and desires that each person operates and walks in His power. The pivotal question is the strength of our faith and belief in our capabilities. Do we truly believe that our words can bring about change and transform the spiritual
atmosphere?
Consider the example of Esther, who firmly believed in her calling, the anointing upon her, and her purpose for that specific time. In the face of King Xerxes seeking a beautiful bride from numerous women, Esther’s attitude and actions set her apart. She didn’t opt for extravagant adornment but chose to fast for three days, cultivating an attitude and glory of the Lord within her. When she entered the king’s presence, she carried a unique atmosphere that captured his heart.
Similarly, recall the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego facing the fiery furnace. They didn’t plead for mercy but demonstrated strength born out of their knowledge of God and confidence in His call upon their lives. They carried something within them that set them apart.
Let’s not dwell on the challenges, negativity, or failures of the past years, instead, let’s be anchored in the knowledge of our God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.
Let’s consider a historical illustration from the 18th century. During a period when the global population stood at 1.6 billion, a devastating famine struck the world due to agricultural failures. Europe, a dominant region, faced severe consequences as the land became devoid of essential nutrients. Crops failed to grow, leading to a widespread famine. Surprisingly, when examining African and South American countries, flourishing crops were observed. The key factor was discovered to be the mixture of bird droppings in the soil, enhancing fertility and promoting robust crop growth.
In the islands surrounding South America, millions of birds had inhabited the area for centuries, resulting in layers of bird droppings spanning hundreds of feet. Recognizing the agricultural benefits, nations raced to claim these islands, sparking intense conflicts and wars over this precious resource. As the bird droppings became depleted, scientists analyzed their composition and identified ammonium as the critical component responsible for the enhanced crop yield. Ammonium, comprised of one nitrogen and four hydrogen atoms, emerged as the vital element. Remarkably, 75% of the air consists of nitrogen, yet the challenge was harnessing atmospheric nitrogen for ground application.
A Jewish scientist named Fritz Haber, pioneering a revolutionary method, successfully converted atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and ammonium chloride. This breakthrough, earning him a Nobel Prize, was hailed as the transformation of air into the substance sustaining plant growth. The narrative serves as a testament to the critical role of nitrogen, abundantly present but requiring the right conditions for productive use. Drawing a parallel, the analogy explains that God’s power is all around us. Just as nitrogen is everywhere but necessitates the correct application for crop growth, God’s power is available but requires our understanding, belief, and empowerment for us to fulfill our divine calling. Until we grasp this truth and strengthen ourselves through God’s power, we may struggle to walk in the purpose God has destined for us.
They that know their God need not be anxious. We must receive and walk in the power of God, emulating Esther’s strength and being strong in the Lord. Regardless of our circumstances, we can create an atmosphere of God’s power around us, ensuring we do not experience shame or defeat. The Lord is within us, His eyes searching to reveal His strength on our behalf. Understanding Biblical formulas, like the Esther and Mordecai formula or the Isaac formula, allows us to face challenges fearlessly.
Despite challenges, criticisms, loneliness, and fears, acknowledging that the Lord was with us strengthens our resolve. As we reflect on these experiences, let’s look for strength, rising above our circumstances, and realizing that the Lord, who has been with us, is indeed always with us.