Question 1

What has been revealed about God’s strength?

Accepted Answer

Job 38:4, 8, 12, 31-33“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. . . . Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, . . . Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east? . . . Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth?”Psalm 29:3-11The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The Lord thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars; the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf; he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord strikes with bolts of lightning. The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” The Lord rules over the floodwaters. The Lord reigns as king forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.Psalm 65:6You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.Psalm 68:34Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens.Psalm 104:1-3, 32Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty. You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds. You make the clouds your chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind. . . . The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch.Isaiah 40:12, 25-26Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? . . . “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.Jeremiah 10:12The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens.Jeremiah 32:17“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”Romans 1:20Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.Hebrews 1:2-3Now in these final days, he [God] has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.God’s mighty power is evident in his creation. God created and sustains the universe. There is no greater strength.Job 42:2“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.”Psalm 46:8-10Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”Psalm 115:3Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.Psalm 135:6The Lord does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths.Isaiah 14:24The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sworn this oath: “It will all happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided.”Isaiah 40:23He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing.Jeremiah 27:5“With my great strength and powerful arm I made the earth and all its people and every animal. I can give these things of mine to anyone I choose.”Daniel 4:35“All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’”Human strength is not a minimized version of God’s strength. His power is in a different category entirely. We are made in his image; but our power is severely limited compared to his limitless power.Acts 17:24-26“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. . . . From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.”Ephesians 1:11Because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.God’s strength is revealed in his sovereign providence over all things. Nothing happens without God directing it or allowing it. God not only provides all good things, but he continually manages them as well.Acts 9:21All who heard him [Saul, later known as Paul] were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”Ephesians 1:19-20I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.A life transformed is evidence of God’s power to break the bonds of death, which he demonstrated in raising Jesus from the dead.John 11:25-26Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”1 Corinthians 15:54-55Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”2 Peter 3:7By the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.Revelation 6:15-17Then everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”Revelation 18:8“Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day—death and mourning and famine. She will be completely consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”2 Thessalonians 1:7-9He [Jesus] will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.Only God has the power over death, the authority to judge sin, and the right to determine people’s eternal fate.Exodus 6:6“Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment.’”Exodus 3:19-20“But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand forces him. So I will raise my hand and strike the Egyptians, performing all kinds of miracles among them. Then at last he will let you go.”Numbers 11:23Then the Lord said to Moses, “Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!”Deuteronomy 3:24“‘O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do?’”Deuteronomy 4:34, 37“Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the Lord your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes. . . . Because he loved your ancestors, he chose to bless their descendants, and he personally brought you out of Egypt with a great display of power.”2 Samuel 22:2-3He [David] sang: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence.”Psalm 66:5Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!Psalm 77:13-15O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people.Isaiah 51:10Are you not the same today, the one who dried up the sea, making a path of escape through the depths so that your people could cross over?Jeremiah 32:21“You brought Israel out of Egypt with mighty signs and wonders, with a strong hand and powerful arm, and with overwhelming terror.”God’s people recognize his powerful works. Every sunrise and sunset speaks of his majesty. Every snowflake reveals his creativity. Every fruit and berry is a symbol of his amazing and appropriate provision.

Question 2

How can I experience the strength of God in my life?

Accepted Answer

Ephesians 1:18-20I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.God’s power to raise Jesus from the dead is the same power that will raise us from the dead when we believe in him. And it is the same power available to us now to live more effectively and courageously for him.Joshua 1:9“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Judges 14:6At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he [Samson] ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands.Deuteronomy 31:7-8“Be strong and courageous! . . . Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”2 Chronicles 16:9“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”Psalm 68:35God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!Isaiah 40:29-31He [the Lord] gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Isaiah 41:10“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”Luke 4:14Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.Luke 24:49“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Ephesians 3:16, 20I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. . . . Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.Ephesians 6:10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.2 Timothy 1:7God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.2 Timothy 2:1Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.2 Timothy 4:17The Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.Hebrews 13:9So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.God promises to give us inner strength powered by his own Holy Spirit when we depend on him and trust him to do what is best for us. When that power is evident in any situation, we cannot predict what the outcome will be except that it will be more than we can imagine.Exodus 4:10-12Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”Judges 6:15-16“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”Judges 7:4-7The Lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! Bring them down to the spring, and I will test them to determine who will go with you and who will not.” . . . The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.”2 Corinthians 4:8-12We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.2 Corinthians 12:7-10So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he 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. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.2 Corinthians 13:4Although he [Jesus] was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.1 Timothy 4:8“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”Hebrews 11:32-34How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.We can experience God’s power in our weakness. When we recognize our limitations and yet do great things for God, we know for certain that our success has come from God’s strength working through us.Nehemiah 8:10Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”Strength starts in our hearts long before it is exerted in other aspects our lives. The joy that comes from our hope in what God promises gives us strength to obey, endure, and triumph in all circumstances.Isaiah 40:29, 31He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. . . . But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Life wears us out, but waiting on the Lord renews our strength. Our limitations shouldn’t paralyze us; they should only remind us to rely more fully on the Lord.Psalm 138:3As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.God’s strength comes through prayer, through keeping our lifeline to God open.

Question 3

What can I do in God’s strength?

Accepted Answer

Galatians 2:18-21I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.There are no limits to what God can do in and through us. It pleases God to live and work through us.Psalm 18:1-2, 29-30I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. . . . In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.Ephesians 3:20Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.With God’s strength we have the power to accomplish things we could never do on our own. We can withstand the toughest attacks and can take the offensive in overcoming our problems.Psalm 46:1-2God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.By God’s strength we can live without fear, even in times of trouble. God’s strength drives out our fear.

Question 4

How can I become stronger in my faith?

Accepted Answer

John 15:4-8“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”Hebrews 4:15-16This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.Our faith is strengthened as we remain connected with God through our relationship with Jesus Christ.1 John 2:14I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.Our faith is strengthened by reading and studying God’s Word.Deuteronomy 11:8“Therefore, be careful to obey every command I am giving you today, so you may have strength to go in and take over the land you are about to enter.”Judges 6:27So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord had commanded.Joel 2:11The Lord . . . leads them with a shout. This is his mighty army, and they follow his orders. The day of the Lord is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can possibly survive?Our faith is strengthened when we obey God’s call for our lives and in our daily choices.Joshua 3:1-17“‘When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there.’”Romans 4:20Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.Our faith becomes stronger when we step out in faith. As we do, we begin to experience God’s power. Faith must be active, not stagnant.Jude 1:20You, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,Our faith is strengthened through prayer, as we are directed by the Holy Spirit.Romans 5:3-4We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.2 Corinthians 12:10That’s why I [Paul] take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.James 1:2-4Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.1 Peter 1:6-7So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.Our faith can be strengthened through our trials and troubles.1 Thessalonians 3:2We sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith.1 Timothy 4:12-16Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.Our default objective in the Christian life should be progress. Our becoming stronger in the faith never reaches an end point; it is an ever developing capacity.Romans 1:11I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.Our faith is strengthened through the mutual encouragement and accountability of other believers.

Question 5

What are the signs of spiritual strength?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 73:26My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.2 Corinthians 4:7We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.The signs of spiritual strength may not be evident in our physical bodies. Spiritual strength goes past our bones and into the soul.1 Samuel 17:45David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”Psalm 16:2I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”Psalm 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?Psalm 31:24So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!Psalm 44:4-8You are my King and my God. . . . Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes.Psalm 118:6The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?Psalm 144:1Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.Isaiah 33:2Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble.Isaiah 40:29-31He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.Jeremiah 9:23-24This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”Daniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”Matthew 26:42Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”1 Corinthians 1:31Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”2 Corinthians 3:5It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.Galatians 6:14As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.Hebrews 13:6So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”It is a sign of spiritual strength to depend more on God than on ourselves or on others.Psalm 27:1, 3The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? . . . Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.John 10:28-29“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”Romans 8:28, 31We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. . . . What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?Romans 16:20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.Having peace of heart and mind is a sign of spiritual strength. This involves resting more in God’s power to keep us than in any other source of strength we might have.Numbers 12:3Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.Matthew 11:29“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”Matthew 18:4“So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”2 Corinthians 3:5It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.2 Corinthians 12:9-10Each time he 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. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.1 Thessalonians 2:6-8, 11-12As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. . . . And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.Humility and gentleness are important signs of spiritual strength.Deuteronomy 31:5-6“The Lord will hand over to you the people who live there, and you must deal with them as I have commanded you. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”2 Samuel 22:30, 40“In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. . . . You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.”2 Chronicles 32:7-8“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.”Psalm 61:3You [the Lord] are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.Proverbs 18:10The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.Romans 1:16I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.Courageously standing up for God and not being ashamed of our faith are signs of spiritual strength.1 Corinthians 15:58So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.Having a passion for serving God is a sign of spiritual strength.Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.Encouraging others with right teaching is a sign of spiritual strength.Colossians 2:19-23He [Christ] holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.Our continued growth in the walk of faith is a sign of spiritual strength.1 Corinthians 1:8-9He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Colossians 1:10-11Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,Our commitment to remain faithful in obedience to God is a sign of spiritual strength.

Question 6

How do I tap into God’s strength to fight the battles of life?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 138:3As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.Nehemiah 6:9They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.Matthew 26:41“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”Acts 4:23-24When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God.1 Corinthians 10:12-13If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.1 Corinthians 16:13Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.Ephesians 6:10-16Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.1 Peter 5:8-9Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.Spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons. We must pray for God to arm us and prepare us for battle.Joshua 1:6-9“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”1 Timothy 1:18-19Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.1 John 2:14I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.1 John 5:3-5Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.God’s Word is our secret weapon in fighting the battles of life because in it we find the battle strategy as outlined by God Almighty himself. God, the Creator of life, tells us how to live life to the fullest. But if we don’t study God’s Word, we will miss the strategies that can help us overcome anything life throws at us.Jeremiah 1:17-19“Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land—the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah. They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.2 Timothy 4:7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.We must always keep our eyes on the end goal, which is eternity with God. In this life we will face struggles, hardships, and spiritual battles. But if we make each decision as if we are investing in eternity, our lives will make sense and have purpose and direction.Joshua 1:9“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Psalm 23:1-3The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.Isaiah 43:2When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.1 Corinthians 1:8-9He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Ephesians 3:16I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.2 Thessalonians 3:3The Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.2 Timothy 4:16-18The Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom.James 4:6-7He gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.We must never underestimate the strength that God wants to provide, if we just ask him for help. If we claim God’s promises, walk in his presence, and accept his protection, we will be strong enough to face any foe.Isaiah 41:6The idol makers encourage one another, saying to each other, “Be strong!”Acts 15:32-33Then Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith.Acts 16:5So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew larger every day.Romans 1:9-11I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.Philippians 1:27-28Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies.1 Thessalonians 3:1-4We sent Timothy to visit you . . . to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.We need to stand together with other Christians. We must be willing to minister and to be ministered to. Wars are not fought with a single soldier.