Look for and expect Heaven’s Strengthening when facing difficulties.
31 ‘Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, STRENGTHEN YOUR BROTHERS (means ‘Set the Direction’ for them).’ Luke 22
We saw yesterday how Jesus prayed for Peter’s future calling just before His own crucifixion. Peter’s Faith did fail but Jesus eventually restored him and he stood as leader of the new Church.
Jesus Himself was supernaturally strengthened by an angel from heaven before His death and sacrifice for all mankind. Luke 22:43
7 The Lord said to Gideon, ‘With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.’ (Only a handful to defeat an army.)
9 During that night the Lord said to Gideon, ‘Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. 10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterwards, you will be encouraged (Strengthened) to attack the camp.’ Judges 7
No wonder God Encouraged Gideon before the battle, his army had been reduced to a mere handful of men. The amazing thing was that God used his enemy to encourage him and give him hope.
15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshipped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, ‘Get up! (Sometimes we have to GET UP AND MOVE WITH GOD.) The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.’
There are times when God speaks and we ‘know that we know’ it’s going to happen! He Strengthens us by a Rhema Word or a Now Word that exactly fits our situation. That’s a wonderful place to be, when we know of a certainty that God’s going to do what’s needed.
There are also occasions when we’re called upon to take sides, which way will we go/how will we choose?
15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and HELPED HIM TO FIND STRENGTH IN GOD. 17 ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You shall be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.’ 1 Samuel 23
Jonathan chose to side with David, the man with God’s calling on his life, even against his own father, King Saul. Many times people, including Christians, choose to go with those in power, past/present, rather than those God has destined for power, present/future. We need to know who God’s hand is upon for the future and they may not look anything special at present, but the anointing will prevail. God strengthened David through the support of his close friend Jonathan. Is there someone we could encourage and strengthen today?
God bless and keep you today.