I've Got the Power

Joshua 1: 6, 7, 9, (TNIV): “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. …9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Yesterday we talked about being ready...prepared for opportunities that may come from God. Sometimes it's a financial opportunity...sometimes it's the chance to rebuild a broken relationship. We must be ready for anything...because when the time comes...we won't have time to prepare ourselves for it.

Great...now we're ready...but have you ever wondered it you'll have the strength to do it? Have you ever thought about your power source? Today's verse directly addresses Who we should look to for our strength...

"Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Just like Joshua...we have God as the ultimate source of strength. Our Creator is waiting to give you the wisdom and strength that you need to get through the opportunities that you have prepared yourself for. Why is it, then, that so many of us live powerless? I believe there are two primary reasons:

1) We don't really understand Who God is - So many times I find myself weary and feeling defeated. Why is that? I sometimes forget that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere at one time. He created everything from nothing. He raises the dead and heals the sick... He holds the whole world in His mighty hand. Why can't He give me the strength to handle what I am prepared to handle? It's probably due to the second reason..

2) We don't ask - How many times have you been struggling with the strength issue and decided that it was too minor to ask for help from God for? We turn to self-help books, vitamins, gurus, supplements, or just plain blind determination to pull together enough power to persevere. All God says to do is ask Him. If it's His will for our lives, He grants us the strength that we need. He loves us more than anyone...and wants to see us get through the challenge...all we need to do is go to Him in prayer and ask Him for His strength...

What challenge are you ready for but doubt if you'll have the strength to endure it? Let's pray this morning that we can keep the faith...knowing that if we are ready for the opportunity, that when they come, the God that gives us the chance will be the same God who gives us the power.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian