Theme: “BE STRONG, FEAR NOT”
The true Christian is faced with so many challenges as he strives along the highway of holiness. The Webster’s New World Dictionary defines strong as among other things, “physically powerful; robust in a healthy and sound condition; not easily affected or upset, morally powerful; having strength of character or will.” Fear means “an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger.” These definitions are in harmony with the Bible. People of God are enjoined to believe firmly in His Almightiness, that with Him nothing is impossible. David declared, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” – Psalm 46:1-3
Text: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” – Isaiah 40:29, 30.
Comment: Physical strength is an attribute of the young. The Bible says “the glory of young men is their strength”. (Proverbs 20:29) But the strength of the true worshipper is spiritual. He is therefore energetic and lively regardless of age as his spiritual and even physical strength is renewed by God like that of the eagles. (Psalm 103:5) It was by the power of God that David’s “mighty men”, some of whose exploits are stated in 2 Samuel 23: 8-39, were able to fight for the cause of righteousness. Samson was endowed with strength with which he rescued the Israelites from the hands of the Philistines several times. (Judges 15:14-16, etc.) What God requires of his people is faith, knowledge and understanding, and other spiritual qualities which “are profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come”. (1 Timothy 4:8) God declared through Jeremiah, “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” – Jeremiah 9:23, 24.