I used to work out. Not this aerobic stuff, but the real vein busting, squinting faced, grunting stuff. The more I did it, the more infectious it became. As the endorphins increased so did the desire to become stronger. So we'd put one more weight on the bar or push each other for one more rep. It was fun and really made you feel good about yourself.
However, one kind of strength that I never seemed to have enough of, was spiritual strength. I started weak and will finish weak. Spiritual strength dosen't grow within us the more weight we put on the bar of life's little difficulties. If we try to build our own spiritual strength, we're going to end up on the bench with the barbell across our necks and no "spotter" to help us place it back on the rack.
But, there is a Divine Spotter who wants to help us lift the load. When we become so weak that we're willing to admit that we don't have the strength, then He steps in to lift the weight for us. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 tell us that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. We are not meant to to fight the spiritual battles dressed in our armor but His. Our armor consists of reputation, pride, selfishness, and a host of other human attributes. His, on the other hand consists of Salvation, Righteousness, Truth, Peace, Faith and His word. God attributes.
David knew this. In Psalm 21 David acknowledges that it Is God's strength that gives the victory. Verse 13 says, "Be exalted, O Lord in YOUR strength; we will sing and praise YOUR might." David had strength at his finger tips. He commanded a great empire, but he knew the only strength that would give him victory was God's.
Have you ever wanted a place to hide from trouble. Psalm 46:1 says that "God is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble." God wants us to rest in Him. We will never see true spiritual strength displayed until we come to the realization that we can't, but He can.
Without the Lord, our version of "The Little Engine That Could" would read, "I know I can't, I know I can't..." But the Good news version of the story says: HE CAN!
Don't try to max out by yourself, you're gonna pull something. Call over The Spotter!
God Bless,
-Scott