Strong On My Own

Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

Mark 14:29-30

WHEN JESUS TOLD His disciples that one of them would betray Him, they couldn’t believe He was serious. They didn’t understand what Jesus was telling them about His coming death. Whatever danger was ahead, they declared they would stay right by His side. They were dependable (they thought), and insisted that they would stick with Jesus through thick and thin. Remember Peter’s declaration? And his utter failure to keep his word?

As men, we often are far too confident in our own strength. It’s a confidence that’s frequently rooted in pride. But we are not superheroes. Not even close.

On the other hand, the Bible encourages men to be strong and tells us how. One principle is expressed in Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” It is God’s plan for men to encourage and challenge each other to grow in the Lord and fulfill our responsibilities.

An even more critical principle to strengthen our faith is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the apostle Paul writes, “[Jesus] said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” Staying humble allows God to show His strength in our lives. Our strength comes from dependence on Him.

BOTTOM LINE

Set a goal to begin searching out biblical principles that will help you grow stronger in your faith, yet more humble in your heart.

Moment of Strength: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12