Real Strength

(David Wrote:) When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. Psalm 138:3 (NLT)

Leaders attribute their strength to any number of sources - upbringing and family life, a network of supporters who keep them going, a loving wife or husband, an outstanding mentor and role model.

But there are other sources of strength that are far more powerful and have a far more powerful and have a far more lasting effect - namely God and His Word.  When you draw strength from His Spirit and the Bible, you tap into a source of energy that will last through eternity.  Couple that with your own inner resolve, and you have what it takes to keep you going and going.

Maintaining the strength you need to continue to be effective as a leader requires a fair amount of exercise, not the kind you do at a fitness center but the kind you can do wherever you are.  Keeping spiritually fit is the key; and that involves an intimate relationship with God, one that you nurture and protect at all costs.  That relationship needs to be the top priority in your life, because your fitness in every other area of your life, your work, your relationships, your community of faith depends on the quality of your fellowship and relationship with God.

Drawing on God's strength requires trusting Him completely, which is something of a paradox.  But the Bible says that God's way of doing things is often very different from the way people think things should be done.  Instead of trying to muster the strength you need all on your own, you can turn to Him in prayer and ask Him to replace your weakness with His strength.  Admitting your weakness and relying on Him actually makes you stronger.  Ask God to give you the strength you need.  Learn to see your weaknesses not as a liability but as a reminder that God wants you to turn to Him in complete obedience.