Have you ever experienced a time of trial or heavy labor and were given strength to endure, which surprised you? In the middle of danger, you were calm; when bereaved, you were trusting; when slandered, you did not retaliate; when sick, you were patient. Actually, God gives unexpected strength when trials come upon us - more than we have in ourselves. It enables cowards to be brave, foolish ones to have wisdom, and quiet ones to know what to speak. Our own weakness may make us hold back, but God’s promises can make us brave. In Isaiah 41:1010Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10) we read, “I will strengthen thee.” We can call on the Lord to strengthen us “according to Thy word.” When we consider our own strength, it is less than we thought and less than we need. But God is omnipotent (has all strength) and will give to us that needed strength. When He strengthens us for the trial or difficulty, human weakness is no longer a consideration.
1. When Asaph’s flesh and heart failed, who strengthened him?
Psalm 73:___
2. What was Paul’s experience in Asia so that he despaired even of life?
2 Corinthians 1:___
3. How will the Lord undertake for the faint and for those that have no might?
Isaiah 40:___
4. After we have suffered a while, what will the God of all grace do for us?
1 Peter 5:___
5. When all men forsook the Apostle Paul, who stood with him and strengthened him? 2 Timothy 4:___