Counsel #8 — Spiritually Strong

Picture: Counsel #8 — Spiritually StrongCWe 18.1

Just as physical strength is a primary requirement for becoming a professional wrestler, spiritual strength is also required to become a warrior for Christ. Just think about it: if you confess to be a follower and believer of God, yet lose faith every time the wind of adversity blows, is your spiritual strength truly strong?CWe 18.2

In the Bible, the greatest example of spiritual strength can be seen in the life of Jesus — specifically when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. After fasting for 40 days, although physically weak, Jesus remained spiritually strong. Each time a temptation came, Jesus resisted it by quoting Scripture. For us, this shows that knowing and applying God’s Word is the key to standing firm against trials. Unlike what culture portrays, strength is not found in how much discomfort you can take but in how much you can surrender to God. Don’t get me wrong — choosing consistent spiritual surrender can be hard and sometimes uncomfortable. Trials pull us outside of our comfort zone, but don’t lose heart! If you develop a constant prayer life and spend time in God’s Word and presence, He will provide you the endurance needed to maintain spiritual strength regardless of tribulation or pain.^{[15]https://www.revivalandreformation.org/devotional/blj/gain-spiritual-strength-through-prayer}CWe 18.3

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” Ephesians 3:16 NIVCWe 18.4

“Many are spiritually weak because they look at themselves instead of at Christ…” Ellen White in God’s Amazing Grace, p. 256CWe 18.5

Reflect: How can you use Scripture to strengthen your faith during challenges?CWe 18.6