One of the insignias of a triumphant Christian is the ability to remain resilient in the face of intense and ferocious opposition. There is no gainsaying that the battles of life are real even moreso for the children of God therefore to make it and end well we must be fortified spiritually; spiritually because the spiritual controls the physical and by (physical) strength shall no man prevail. In Ephesians 6:10(NIV), the bible encourages us with these words, ‘Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”. The Message version puts it this way, “And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong” Welcome to the month of double grace: October 2018: BE STRONG! Henceforth the unlimited power of God will find expression in every area of your life. Wherever you are weak, the Lord will strengthen you and His grace will be sufficient for you in Jesus name.

Being strong is not a function of one’s brawn but the aptitude to remain unflustered while relying on God to do what He does best in the midst of the hassles of life. In 1 Samuel 17 we see a good example God’s mighty power; it is the classical story of David and Goliath. While David focused on God as the source of his strength, Goliath did on his physical ability which by no means was small rather daunting as described in 1 Samuel 17:4-7. In spite of Goliath’s physique, David remained level-headed so much so that for every threat that came from Goliath, David matched and tripled it with the reassurance of God’s supremacy. David knew he was not in the fight alone; he had the backup of the hosts of heaven. David knew his enemy but knows his God even more and having compared the two, he knew who has the final say! The points David highlighted were based on trust having had a relationship with God as well as his knowledge of what God can do; David did not look at his own abilities at all, he kept God in the picture the whole time, making references to Him no wonder he was victorious, his strength was in God’s power!. Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) astutely stated, “so he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”

To be spiritually strong we must learn a thing or two from the young man, David. There were so many attributes that endeared David to God, one of which was David’s doggedness, you must be resolute enough to know what you stand for and be willing to defend and uphold it. You must know God and have a relationship with him perhaps this was one of David’s best character yet, the bible says for you to be strong and do exploit you must know your God (Dan.11:32 paraphrased). David knew His God. Also the Amplified version of our anchor scripture says ‘In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.’ Do not give in to the rants of the devil. You are tougher than you think! Your strength is not that which can be seen by the physical eye; it is bestowed on you through the help of the Holy Spirit. Tough times do not last, tough people do! Big up, power up and be strong. God has got your back! You are too hot for the devil to handle! You are blessed! You are strong! You are unstoppable in Jesus name. Shalom

Lekan Oyewande October 2018.