The Sustaining Strength of God

“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” (Psalm 18:2).

Recently, a group of American college students was on a mission trip in Greece, 5,000+ miles away from home. They had become emotionally weary, and the enemy was attempting to use this weak moment to create rifts within the group, causing them to question the reason for their assignment. The mission director sensed their discontent and took them to Philippi, the very place the Apostle Paul and Silas spent time during their ministry and were imprisoned. These students paused and spent time alone with God in Philippi, taking communion at the Lydia River. In their moment of tension, this special place reminded them of the faithfulness of God, and that His strength was available to them. This experience moved them forward as they received much-needed encouragement to complete their mission.

While in Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten, thrown in jail without clothes, and their feet were fettered and chained to the wall. Yet, despite these circumstances, they prayed and sang to the Lord. God heard their plea for help! The Earth shook violently, their prison doors flew open, and the apostles’ chains were loosed. When the jailer, who slept through this supernatural jailbreak saw the prison doors open, he assumed the prisoners had escaped and was consequently fearful for his own life. But when he encountered Paul and Silas and realized a miracle happened, he fell at their feet. He and his household were saved and baptized that night! (Acts 16:22-33)

In our weakest moments, God is still on the throne, and He can work through us to reach other people, just like He used Paul, Silas, AND the missionary students in Greece. When we take our eyes off our problems and lean entirely on Him, He sustains us and gives us the strength to carry on.

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: How can we depend more on God for His strength and encouragement? Pray with us and allow these scriptures to bring you peace.

“For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).

Prayer: Father God, we are humbled by Your glory! Thank You for the gentle reminders of Your faithfulness when we need to feel Your Presence. We depend on You for strength every day. We love You, Lord! In Your name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always” (Psalm 105:4).