Summer is a great time to reflect on how we’ve been living this past year and how we can grow deeper in our walk with the Lord. This week’s devotion reminds us of where our true strength comes:

IN WORD – Noah didn’t have the power to get all those animals into that ark, but the Lord provided what was necessary for it to happen.
Joseph didn’t have the ability to preserve his life and put himself in a position of power in Egypt, but the Lord made it happen.
Moses didn’t have what it takes to free the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt, but the Lord empowered him to lead them to the Promised Land.
The Israelites didn’t have the means to get across the Red Sea, but the Lord parted the waters for them.
The pilgrims in the wilderness had no means of feeding and sustaining themselves, but the Lord provided everything they needed.
The children of Israel had no means of defeating the walled city of Jericho, but the Lord gave them victory.
David had no personal power to overcome Goliath, but the Lord gave him courage and strength in the Valley of Elah.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had no ability to keep themselves from burning up in that fiery furnace, but the Lord preserved their lives.
The disciples had no means of feeding the hungry crowd that had gathered to hear Jesus, but hHe fed them well from a little boy’s lunch.
Paul had no ability to preserve himself and those who were with him from shipwreck, but the Lord exercised hHis power so that none were lost.
The apostles had no ability to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the known world, but the Lord gifted them and provided for them so that they could do so.
IN DEED – You and I have no natural abilities to rise and do what God calls us to do, but hHe refuses to leave us to our own resources. He is not so unwise, unkind, or unfaithful as to ever call us to a task without enabling us to do it. I am not able to love my wife the way Jesus loves the church, but I am not left by God to my own character and strength. I am not able to keep my heart pure, so God fills me with hHis empowering Spirit. You see, what 2 Peter 1:3 says is really true: we have been given everything we need for life and godliness. The God who calls us to a radical new way of living meets us with radical empowering grace. Have courage. Be active. Your Savior really is your strength. “God will call you to do what you cannot do, but will provide everything you need to do it.” – Paul David Tripp (in “New Morning, New Mercies” by Paul David Tripp)

When we read the Old Testament stories, the way they are taught generally focuses on human beings like Jacob, Joseph, Gideon, David, Daniel, etc. But if you step back and reassess the stories, you will find that the true source of power is in God Almighty. In fact, the person chosen is often the least or the last of society in order to reveal what God can do. If you apply the same principle to your own life, you can be assured that whatever situation God puts you in, He will provide everything you need for His Name’s sake.
If you haven’t read a historical book in a while, choose a book from like Judges, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, etc. – any book all the way to Ruth. See who the protagonist is in each narrative, and you will find that it is God. Ask the Holy Spirit to grant you humility and call on God Almighty to reveal His power to fulfill His good and perfect will for your life. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam