READ: ISAIAH 40:28-31; 41:9-14

We all want to be strong and able to get through the tough things in life without falling apart. You might be someone who prides yourself in your strength, or you might be someone who often feels weak. You might enjoy the challenge of doing hard things, or you might be afraid to face hard things because of how much it tires you out. No matter how strong or weak we are on our own, we serve a God who is able to make us strong.

God is all-powerful (or omnipotent), and throughout the Bible, God “gives strength to his people” (Psalm 29:11). When we are not strong enough on our own, we only have to reach out to God, and He will come beside us and help us do whatever He is calling us to do.

I can’t do everything on my own, and neither can you. We all need God’s strength. It’s usually easiest to see this when we go through difficult times. And in those times when we become aware of our own weaknesses and limitations, we don’t need to be ashamed. God knows we need Him, and He wants us to rely on Him. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, empowering us to follow Jesus in everything.

When you’re in the midst of a struggle, you can reach out to God. Remember that God helps us by His “incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:18-21). As Christians, we belong to Jesus, the all-powerful Ruler of everything, and He invites us to rely on His help and His strength, knowing that He will give us what we need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Today, let’s thank Him for making us stronger than we could ever be on our own. • Emily Acker 

• In times when we feel strong and in times when we feel weak, God calls us to rely on His strength, not our own. In what ways do you need strength today?

• According to Ephesians 3:14-21; 6:10-12 and 1 Peter 4:8-11, what does God strengthen us for? (If you want to dig even deeper, read 2 Corinthians 10:1-5; Philippians 4:12-13; Colossians 1:9-14; and 2 Timothy 2:1-10.)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being… Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)