“Anything less than God will let you down.” Those were the words of E. Stanley Jones, and how true they are. Anything less than God is not rooted in eternal power. Anything less than God has a built-in failure.

For every human need there is a supernatural resource. For every problem there is an answer. For every hurt there is a cure. For every weakness there is a strength. For every confusion there is guidance. Jeremiah the prophet wrote, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17) In fact, God is willing to demonstrate His power: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) God plans for all of His redeemed children to be conformed to the image of Christ. There are several ways that God supports and strengthens us as we change. Strength #1 is God’s Word. For example, Romans 8 encourages that we are secure in Christ and significant to Him. Strength #2 is prayer. In Psalm25:1-10 we have the description of a person on the right path of change. We learn several things about David from this prayer. He knows where to look for help. (v. 1) He knows in Whom to trust. (vv. 2-3) He knows the purpose of prayer—“Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” (vv.4-5) He knows the basis of prayer … God’s compassion. (vv. 6-7) He knows the future of prayer … the faithfulness of God’s character. (vv. 8-10) And Strength #3 is the Holy Spirit. Jesus teaches in John 16:4-16 and Acts 1:4-8 that our Helper and source of power for the Christian life is the Holy Spirit. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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