Do you have to be strong enough?

Many years ago at summer camp when I was a camper they had a giant tug of war and on the final pull they hooked up one side to a speed boat to help them... you can guess who won?

This is the same for us today - on our own we can feel weary and weak but collectively we're stronger.  Even so,  we're fighting forces we don't know or understand which seek to undermine us - so we desperately need help.

Mat 11:28-30  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus yoke is light as he's there helping us bear it.  Jesus has already suffered and died on our behalf, he's even carried the cross - and we can rest in him knowing all that needs to be done for our salvation has been done already.  Our part is to believe this is so, and accept the gift of salvation.

Php 4:13 in the King James says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  People have defied the odds and defied their physical circumstances all over the world and done amazing things in the name of Jesus in the strength of God.

Moses isn't renouned for his singing but after they crossed the red sea he sang.  "The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. (Exo 15:2)

Moses gave God the credit for saving the people from Egypt.  The deliverance from Egypt, especially the plagues and crossing of the red sea are examples of where they could not have physically done it on their own strength.  God strengthened them by displaying his power against the Egyptians.

So, what does God give us strength for today?  He strengthens us so that we can help and encourage others.  Gal 6:9-10 says "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. "

So when the troubles of the world weigh us down, let's pray for God to uphold us and lets live in His strength.