Listen to this devotion
Begin with God … He Gives Strength
In the Word
To whom can we turn for strength?
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
Of the Word
Physical strength is a powerful thing — just look at a football player or a weightlifter! All over this country people are spending money and hours in fitness centers to improve their strength. Physical strength is necessary; without it we couldn't walk across a room.
But where does the strength come from to sustain us when our heart and mind and soul are crying out in weakness? When we feel fearful and know that we can't do it on our own, God speaks to us.
"I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10b).
When we face temptation we are reminded of God's promises.
… the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
When life just seems too much to bear, we can step boldly, knowing that God is always there. We can proclaim along with King David, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect" (2 Samuel 22:33).
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord, be my Strength and Refuge. May I always depend on You to help me be spiritually strong even when I am physically weak. I know You are steadfast and I thank You for Your promise of strength to overcome the evil one. Make me strong to do Your work. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 12/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
