Strength is the physical power to carry out demanding tasks; emotional toughness: the necessary qualities required to deal with stressful or painful situations; and a source of strength or support.

Another definition I read said, “the power to resist attack.”  I love that!

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”  Deuteronomy 6:5

“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear, your God will come…”  Isaiah 35:3-4

My boys were both high school wrestlers and let me just say that is a difficult sport for this momma to watch!  The training that goes into wrestling is difficult to adequately describe.  The season is extremely long and it is an individual, full-contact sport.  Man to man…and, it is intense!  I cannot count the number of black eyes and bloody noses we have had over the years, but I can tell you it has built much strength.

The Father has spoken to my heart so many times as I have watched them struggling in a match.  Sometimes, all we can do for our children is to encourage them and to be there.  One thing that is important to me is when my kids are in a difficult situation be it a wrestling match, giving a public speech, or trying out for a spot in the choir…I want them to see my face.  I want to be a constant, steady, strong support for them.  They gain strength from Brian and me.

Same is true for us–God’s presence is really what we need.  The Word tells us “not by might, nor by power but by His Spirit.”  His presence is where we gain our strength; it takes a little struggle, a little resistance to build muscle either physical or spiritual.  When our kids find themselves in a spiritual or emotional struggle, let’s support them and be there to encourage and coach, but not to rescue.  Allow them to flex those muscles and even to strain.  Sure they may get an occasional bloody nose or black eye, but they are developing strength of the best kind.

When we find ourselves in a spiritual battle, coming against resistance, we need to find His face.  When our eyes lock with His, something supernatural happens.  Strength.

My love,