When was the last time you played a good old-fashioned game of arm wrestling? I bet it has been a while!
I recall when my youngest son and I were in an arm wrestling match. He became highly discouraged because I kept beating him. He was sure he would finally defeat me with each new game, but loss after loss made him increasingly upset.
Finally, I offered to switch arms, from my dominant to my weaker one. I also added the advantage of him using both arms to try and beat me in our final match. I bet you can guess what happened next—total domination from my son. He had finally triumphed; you would have thought he had won the Olympics with all his dancing around.
Wrestling Matches in Life: Overcoming Barriers with God’s Strength
Each new day brings its own “wrestling matches,” often revealing our weaknesses. Whether it’s a physical, emotional, or spiritual struggle, the weight of life can feel overwhelming. For many, embracing Christian personal growth is a way to find new strength and overcome these life challenges.
Physical Weakness: You might be battling chronic illness, facing physical temptation, or struggling with daily demands.
Emotional Weakness: You may be shouldering a load for family or friends or feeling discouraged by difficult life circumstances.
Spiritual Weakness: You might feel distant from God, praying fervently while He asks you to be still and wait.
Biblical Examples of God’s Life-Giving Strength
In such moments, it’s easy to wonder if God will ever grant you victory or if He cares enough to fight on your behalf. Fortunately, the Bible is filled with examples of God providing strength in times of weakness, showing us that Christian personal growth often involves recognizing and relying on God’s strength.
Physical Weakness - Hezekiah’s Healing
King Hezekiah, who was faithful to God, faced a terminal illness. Knowing he would die, Hezekiah cried out, and God granted him 15 more years (2 Kings 20). Here, God’s life-giving strength is evident amidst physical struggles.
Emotional Weakness - Israel’s Restoration
Following a time of rebellion and judgment, God lovingly restored His people and strengthened them once again (Isaiah 44-66). This passage illustrates the life-giving strength God gives during emotional challenges.
Spiritual Weakness - Josiah’s Guidance
When young King Josiah became king, he sought God for the wisdom to lead, bringing about a spiritual revival (2 Kings 22, 2 Chronicles 34-35). God’s strength supported Josiah’s spiritual growth, allowing him to lead his people in obedience to God’s law.
Where Do You Currently Feel Weak?
Weakness can manifest emotionally, mentally, relationally, physically, or spiritually. The Bible reminds us that God doesn’t just understand our weaknesses; He sympathizes with them. Psalm 103:14 and Hebrews 4:15-16 offer reassurance that God knows our struggles.
When we invite Him, God will lovingly clasp His strong hands over ours and help us wrestle with life’s challenges. You don’t have to fight alone. Instead, you can “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10, ESV).
Invite God’s Life-Giving Strength into Your Weakness
Take a moment to invite God’s power into your struggles and ask Him to teach you to "be strong in the Lord." God loves to provide life-giving strength wherever you feel physically, emotionally, or spiritually weak. Simply ask.
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