Strengthened

I turned on the television just in time to catch the pivotal game in the 2012 men’s Wimbledon Singles Championship.  Andy Murray and Roger Federer were tied one set apiece and playing in the third set. Back and forth the game went for almost 20 minutes, neither player seemingly able to win.  But after 26 dramatic points Roger took advantage and broke his opponent’s serve.  You could see the life sucked out of Great Britain’s hope; disappointment marked his face and posture.   Roger was too strong and too talented and despite Andy’s best tennis and the faithful cheers of his countrymen, he could not win.  Federer would win his seventh singles title at Wimbledon, earn back the number one ranking in the world and deny England a champion for the 76thconsecutive year. 

Meditation
Ephesians 6:10—Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast power.
 
Have you ever given your best effort only to lose?    When I run, despite what my brain tells me I should be able to do, I don’t have the strength to go as far or as fast as I could in my younger years. Gravity seems to get stronger with increasing age.  My will to press through pain and to pass other runners yields to a greater question—why?!  I settle for the reality that it is better to finish than to get physically hurt.  

While Andy could not beat Roger and I can no longer run consecutive 7:00 minute miles, there is a greater reality to glean from the Apostle Paul.  We can be strengthened by the Lord.  His power is unlimited.  Too often we strive in our own might and we forget that this need not be.  In the race of life, God never intended for us to run on our own energy.  His desire is that we should draw our power from Him!  
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We draw on God’s strength when we stand in His truth, do what is right, trust Him and correctly exercise His Word.  Are you feeling weak?    Are you discouraged by setbacks?  Stop negotiating life on your terms.  Quit trying to prove you don’t need help.  Pray!  God gave us, who love Him, the privilege to tap into His power.  Ask Him to work in you through His might.   Burdens disappear that He carries.  Disappointments fade when He is our Rock.  So be strengthened by the Lord and His enormous power.  Watchman Nee noted in Changed Into His Likeness, “With an abundance of natural strength we are useless to God.  With no strength at all, we can hold on to Him.”  Something to think about . . . in reveration!  
 
©2012 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)