“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“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).
The Sustaining Strength of God
The Strongest Faith in the Deepest Pain
“For she said, ‘If I touch even His garments, I will be made well’” (Mark 5:28).
Walking Confidently in His Light
“For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
On the Solid Rock, We Stand
“He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one Body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Surrounded by The Father
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
God Uses Imperfect People in Extraordinary Ways
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Turning Your Mess into a Message
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16).
Encouragement and Prayer for New Graduates
Graduation is such an exciting moment! While it’s the end of a significant chapter, it’s the beginning of many new ones forward! Taking time to celebrate this milestone is important. While there may be some uncertainty about next steps, God’s Word provides direction for the road ahead. God cares about the details of every life and wants to lead each graduate to their purpose in Christ. When we seek His face and lean into Him, He promises to be with us in every step of the journey (Matthew 6:33).