Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
I try to stay in shape, but it is not getting any easier. It seems that as the human body ages, it becomes more and more resistant to exercise. I am not sure of the science behind that, but I know that there is plenty of anecdotal evidence (at least in my life)! Sometimes when asking me what I do to try to stay in shape, people will ask: “Do you lift weights?” Ha! I have a standard answer to that, “No way. Weights are far too heavy!” The fact is, I do not trust my own strength near as much as I used to. It is simply not what it used to be.
There is a lot to be said about “trust” and “strength.” It is not unusual for us as human beings to rely upon our own strength when it comes to certain physical requirements or endeavors. Similarly, it is not unusual for us as human beings to rely upon our own strength when it comes to spiritual situations. As far as the former (physical) case is concerned, I believe it is almost always a good thing when we put faith in our own abilities to accomplish things. On the contrary, however, we must take care to not lean upon our own strength when it comes to the struggles that we have against temptation and the powers that seek to separate us from God.
It is only by the grace of God that we have been welcomed into his family. Moreover, it is only by the grace and power of God that we are equipped to overcome an enemy that would otherwise overwhelm and destroy us. Let us all praise today the God who gives us his strength.