And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The apostle Paul testified that it was God’s strength alone that enabled him to preach the gospel: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. When we are weak, He is strong in us (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Through Him, we are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). If we are born of God’s Spirit, Jesus is our source of strength to overcome the trials and temptations of this life (John 16:33 1 John 5:4). That same awe-inspiring power God demonstrated throughout Israel’s history is still available to us today through a relationship with Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:13). Because of his close relationship with the Lord, the psalmist Asaph could say, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart he is mine forever” (Psalm 73:26, NLT). They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29–31, NLT). They will soar high on wings like eagles. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. The Lord’s presence with us, along with our trust in Him, brings strength: “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. God’s “right hand” symbolizes His power and strength. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:8–10 see also Psalm 63:8 73:23). Scripture pictures God’s strengthening presence as a strong, piloting hand: “If I go up to the heavens, you are there if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. The Lord was with them He had seized hold of them and would never let them go. In the original Hebrew, the verb translated “to strengthen” entails making someone stronger and stronger it means “to grow and develop to prevail to have or show courage to seize, grasp, and keep hold of.” God was aware of His people’s weaknesses He used everything in their personal experience and journey of faith to develop strength and courage in them. God’s promise, “I will strengthen you,” is packed with more meaning than meets the eye. Throughout every twist and turn of Israel’s long history-from slavery in Egypt, wandering in the desert, conquering in Canaan, to captivity in Babylon-God wanted His people to understand that He had always been and was still “with you.” He was still “your God” who “will strengthen you and help you.” Despite their past rebellion, Israel was not abandoned by the Lord. Motivated by an enduring love for His people, God encourages Israel to trust Him for the future. I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:9–10). So do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God. With words of comfort and assurance, God promises to bring His chosen “offspring of Abraham” back to their homeland: “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. I lift your holy name.In Isaiah 41:1–12, we find a quick summary of God’s redemption plan for the exiled remnant of Israel, a plan that is further developed in later chapters. Allow me to know that you will help and strengthen me. Help me to replace any worry with your word. Let the word of God cast out all fear within you.ĭear Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are with me. When you find yourself starting to fear, replace it with scripture. Allow the Lord to help you.įaith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. God did not give us the Spirit of Fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. He comes through and helps.Įvery time we thought we would never make it out, he made a way where there was no way. When we feel like we are at our breaking point, he strengthens us. However, God tells us to fear not, for he is with us. How will we make it through the day? What if this doesn’t work out? We start questioning ourselves and doubting our circumstances. We become distressed with the worries of everyday life. In life we find ourselves in situations where we fear. Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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