September / October 2003
Page 1 - The Dream Giver by Paul Anderson
Page 2 - Strength for Tough Times by Kevin McClure
Page 3 - The Masters Institute - For People with Dreams
Page 4 - Mid-Year Equipping Conference 2004
Strength for Tough Times
by Kevin McClureGod's words to Joshua have been echoing in my ears: "Be strong and courageous…" (Joshua 1:9). I always thought being strong meant to hold yourself together when you really feel like falling apart.
Those words from the first chapter of Joshua are often in my thoughts-because it seems I need strength so often. Only recently have I gained a new understanding of what it means to be truly strong.
Now when I read, "Be strong," I see that I need to avail myself of the Lord's strength, as in, "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6: 10). Experiencing the strength of His might, I've come to realize, is more likely if I'm not trying so hard to keep from falling apart.
Chances are, if I come to God in my weakness, admitting to my fear and whatever else burdens me, I will avail myself of His strength. It means exposing my weakness to other Christians so they will help me to cast my care upon the Lord who cares for me.
Life is tough, isn't it? There are lots of pressures and lots of challenges. Does it seem that you are one of the only ones who finds life difficult? I think most people, who have a reasonable amount of self-awareness, will admit that life is tougher than they thought it would be when they were younger.
Many people intoxicate themselves with busyness as a way of avoiding the gnawing awareness that, in spite of how "under control" their life looks, they know deep down they are like the circus performer frantically trying to keep all of the plates spinning. Do you feel your life is like that, things spinning out of control? Do you wonder if it will ever change-if only you had the strength? Real peace and real strength come when you begin to realize that some of life's plates need to fall and break.
When you finally realize you want the strength that God promises, that the way you're going to get it is by getting off of the merry-go-round and crying out to your fellow believers for help, then link up with them and appropriate the blessing of His strength. Need strength? Then admit that you are weak.
Yes, of course, tell the Father, but be sure to tell a few of His kids-your brothers and sisters in Christ. Fess up! Say what's bothering you. Link together with someone who cares and pour out your heart to the Lord. Go ahead and fall apart…in the arms of Jesus… and with your family in Christ. That's your part. Do that and watch God do His.
Kevin McClure is senior pastor of New Beginnings Church in Eagan, MN. You may visit the church's website at: www.theshepherdsflock.org.
