Power and Strength

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Isaiah 40:29

Like some of you, I grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons. I can still see the images of Popeye the Sailor-Man downing that can of spinach which magically seemed to give him superhuman strength. (On a side note, I personally think Popeye was created by some frustrated mom who couldn’t get her kids to eat vegetables!) As kids, we all knew where Popeye’s strength came from.

The prophet Isaiah tells us that God gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty much weak and powerless without God. When I need physical strength, a little spinach might go a long way, but my heart and soul rely on the strength and power that come only from God. 

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, came face to face with his human frailty when a vast army was marching against him (2 Chron. 20). He called a fast and stood before his people as he prayed, “O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” Although Jehoshaphat felt powerless, he knew where his power and strength came from. He turned his gaze to heaven and called on the One who is able to save. The vast army ended up turning on themselves and defeating one another until they were utterly destroyed. 

Whatever trouble you’re facing, you can turn your gaze to heaven. Call on the One who is able to save. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.