Strength

My hope for all of us is that we will end 2013 strong and begin 2014 even stronger. So here are 3 things to think about to help you find true strength. This Sermon was preached on December 8th 2013 at Elevation Chapel.

#1. Weakness = Strength. 
What? That doesn't make sense. Does it? For most of my life I tried to do everything in my life on my own strength. The older I get, the wiser I get. At least I hope so. 
The Apostle Paul said, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2nd Corinthians 12:10
How could one of the strongest and most influential humans ever to walk the earth talk about weakness. Paul was no weakling in peoples eyes. Read about his life in the book of acts starting in chapter 9 all the way through chapter 28. 
He felt strongest when he didn't allow his own way of thinking and feeling to rule his actions. He wanted the love and compassion of God to be His driving force.

#2. Trust is an essential element of Strength. 
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
 They will soar high on wings like eagles. -Isaiah 40:30
When someone is in a crisis. Someone who feels overwhelmed. Their blood pressure goes up, they can't sleep. Worry rules their time and thoughts. But when they realize that God knows them and care for them and they put their trust in Him, things change. Physically, mentally and spiritually. 

#3. We need each other.
Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. -1st. Samuel 23:16
Who was stronger, David or Jonathan? If you read the whole story (True story by the way. For all of my Jewish friends, I encourage you to read the stories of David. It will help you to value your Jewish roots even more.)
Well the answer to who was stronger is David. He was incredible! But even David, the future king of Israel needed to be strengthened by his friend. So encourage your friends as you feel led. They might be in a tough situation that you don't know about and could really use a call or visit from you.