The Christian’s Need for Strength
There are moments in life when the soul grows weary and the path seems steep. Trials arise, burdens press heavily, and the spirit cries out for help. It is in these times that the child of God must learn to pray, not for escape, but for strength.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
The believer does not stand in his own power. He stands in the might of God alone.
Strength in the Word of God is not self-generated. It is a divine supply.
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)
The prayer for strength is not an admission of failure. It is a confession of faith. It is saying, “Lord, I cannot, but Thou canst.”
Strength Made Perfect in Weakness
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of his own infirmity. A thorn in the flesh was given to him, and he besought the Lord thrice for its removal. Yet the Lord’s answer was not what the flesh might desire, but what the spirit most needed:
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Here is a holy paradox. Strength is not diminished by weakness. It is revealed through it. What does it mean for strength to be made perfect? It means that God’s power is most clearly seen when our own is lacking. The vessel must be emptied of self before it can be filled with divine might. As Paul responded:
“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The prayer for strength is not a cry of despair. It is a song of dependence.
Jesus: The Strength of Our Life
The ultimate source of strength for the believer is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not only our Savior but our sustainer.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
When we pray for strength, we are asking for more of Him. His presence, His peace, His power. Jesus Himself, in His earthly ministry, knew what it meant to rely on the Father. In Gethsemane, He prayed in agony:
“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed… And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:41, 43)
If the sinless Son of God, perfect in all His ways, sought strength in prayer, how much more must we?
Strength to Stand in Spiritual Warfare
Strength is not only needed for endurance in suffering, but for resistance in battle. The Christian life is not lived on a playground. It is lived on a battlefield. Paul exhorted the Ephesian church:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
This strength is not natural. It is supernatural. The armor of God is given to us not for display but for conflict.
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
Strength is necessary to stand, to resist, and to overcome. And how does this strength come? Through faith, through the Word, and through prayer.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Strength Through the Word of God
When the soul is faint, the Word revives.
“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.” (Psalm 119:28)
Scripture is not merely informational. It is transformational. It is the channel through which God strengthens His people. The promises of God are anchors for the weary soul. Consider Isaiah 40:31:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
The renewing of strength is not found in rushing ahead. It is found in waiting upon the Lord. To wait is to trust. To trust is to be strengthened.
The Strength Found in the Joy of the Lord
Strength is not always loud. It is not always seen. Sometimes it is quiet joy in the midst of sorrow. Nehemiah declared to the people of Israel:
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
This is not worldly happiness. It is a deep-seated gladness rooted in God’s unchanging goodness. When the world is unstable, God remains faithful. This joy, this strength, is the birthright of every believer. Paul, writing from prison, declared:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
This is not a boast of human capability. It is a confession of divine sufficiency. Christ strengthens us not for self-fulfillment but for God-glorifying endurance.
A Pattern for Praying for Strength
How should we pray for strength? The Scriptures show us the way. Let us come boldly, but reverently. Let us pray according to the promises of God, believing that He is faithful. Let us come in Jesus’ name, knowing that He is our High Priest:
“[He] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Consider this pattern of prayer:
- Confess your need: “Lord, I am weak and faint. Without Thee I can do nothing.”
- Declare His sufficiency: “Thou art my strength and my song, and art become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:14)
- Ask for grace to endure: “Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.” (Psalm 119:116)
- Rest in His answer, whether it is strength to bear or deliverance from trial.
Such a prayer is not born of desperation. It is born of devotion. It draws the soul nearer to God, who delights to give strength to His children.
Final Encouragement: Be Strong in the Lord
Dear believer, do not be ashamed of your weakness. Bring it to the throne of grace. The God who made heaven and earth is able to strengthen you with might by His Spirit in the inner man.
“He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.” (Job 5:19)
Let us be a people who know how to pray for strength. Not the strength of pride, but the strength of grace. Not the strength of self-will, but the strength of surrender. Let us take up the words of David and pray:
“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)
This is the promise of God to His own:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
With such a promise, how can we not come boldly, with full assurance of faith, and find grace to help in time of need?
Let our prayer for strength be constant, our faith unwavering, and our eyes fixed on the One who said, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Amen.