The Strong Survive

The Illusion of Strength

In difficult times, many families look for someone to lean on. I’m not saying my family expects me to be strong, but there have been moments when I felt I had to take on that role. I remember a moment when I sent a brief prayer to God: "If I am the strong one in this family, then we have a problem!" Sometimes I looked into my children's faces and knew they expected strength from me as a parent, even though I was just as anxious as they were. These moments of uncertainty can shake us internally, yet they also provide the opportunity to change our perspective and realign ourselves.

From a young age, we are taught that strength and independence are virtues to strive for. But what does it really mean to be strong? Is it the ability to never waver, or is it the wisdom to seek help when we need it? These questions are crucial as we reflect on the true meaning of strength. In the Bible, we read about many people who experienced God's strength in their weakness.

God's Power in Our Weakness

Where does the idea come from that we must be strong to survive? When I think back to the times I had to be strong, I knew I needed God's help to stay afloat. It is a misconception to think that we can master life without ever feeling weak or out of control. God knows us better than anyone else, and in the Bible, Paul shows us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness.

Paul struggled with a weakness that he repeatedly asked God to change. But instead of changing the situation, God promised him the strength to endure it. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 we read: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." What a liberating truth! God's rules are not those of the world, and in our weakness, His strength is revealed. Imagine how it would be if we could see our weaknesses not as obstacles, but as opportunities for God's power to work in our lives.

Joy in Trust

Imagine how much freedom we would have if we approached difficult situations with the attitude: "Okay God, here’s another opportunity to show your glory and strengthen me through your power as I trust you!" How much joy could we experience if we knew that by trusting in Christ, we could be overcomers, rather than just hoping our circumstances would change? This perspective invites us to let go of control and allow God to lead.

It is a lie to believe that we have control over everything. If you don’t believe me, try controlling your circumstances by deciding that nothing will go wrong today. You will quickly find yourself faced with the choice of believing that you must do everything to maintain control or surrendering to the only one who truly has control. This realization can help us find peace amidst chaos and focus on what truly matters.

Embracing God's Strength

I will never pretend that you have control, but I encourage you to believe that you have the power to be an overcomer. In 1 John 5:4-5 it says: "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith." As believers, we know that we will face trials in this world, but Jesus tells us to take heart, for He has overcome the world.

The truth is, we do not have control, but our Father does. As His children, we can draw from His strength and rest in His power, not our own. I am so grateful that I have the permission to know that I do not have control! I cannot control my emotions or my circumstances, but I can trust in God. This realization not only gives us peace but also the confidence that we can count on God's help in every situation.