Strength for the Course

April 26, 2019

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong. 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

1. GOD EMPOWERS YOU. The same Jesus who commissioned the twelve disciples and gave them authority over the devil and power to heal diseases is still calling and commissioning Christians today. With God, there is no duty too perilous, no responsibility too great, no difficulty insurmountable. He will give you strength according to the task at hand.

2. GOD EQUIPS YOU. If you don’t feel qualified, that’s not unusual. But God doesn’t rely on human strength or personality. He wants a heart submitted to Him. God called Paul – a sophisticated, well-educated Pharisee – to reach the Gentiles. He sent Peter – a foul-mouthed fisherman – to reach the Israelites. Though there is a paradoxical difference of temperament, God used both men to carry the good news of Jesus to the world (2  Corinthians 3:4-6).

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

3. GOD ENERGIZES YOU. We can get weary along the course – that’s why we are told to wait on the Lord to gain new strength (Isaiah 40:31). Right before breakthrough, extreme feelings of being overwhelmed will sometimes hit you. But if you press past it, pursue God and don’t quit, doors will open and something great will take place!

Press on,
Pastor Jeff

PRAY THIS PRAYER:
God, I trust You. On my worst day You are still at Your best – ready to impart strength and help. Today I turn my eyes away from my problems and focus on You. I thank You for turning around every situation for good. I don’t rely on my own power, but right now I receive Your new strength for today. Everywhere I go, I am a blessing to others. I speak life and healing to the people I meet. I am accomplishing Your plan for today. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

call·ing, noun
A strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence.

Copyright © 2019 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. “Calling” Merriam-Webster.com. Wed. 24 April 2019.