Strength Training

[bluidkiti]

Strength Training
Author: Tony Beckett and Woodrow Kroll

1 Samuel 30-31, Luke 13:23-35
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 30:6

A key component of any successful athletic program is strength training. The willing team or performer must have not only ability but strength and endurance as well.

Sometimes we can find our strength stretched to the limit, leaving us wondering how we can continue. That must have been David's feeling when, after an extended time fleeing Saul and fighting the enemies of Israel, he came home to a devastating situation. Ziklag, the city where David and his men lived, had been destroyed by fire, the women and children taken captive. He and the men wept until they had no strength left to weep (30:4). The men even talked of stoning David (v. 6).

When physically and emotionally drained, "David found strength in the LORD his God" (v. 6). That was his best, if not only effective, option.

The same is true for us. We find strength in the Lord by turning to His Word. In the Bible we read of His love for us, His promises given us, and His instructions to us. We find strength in the Lord by turning to Him in prayer. Rather than hold onto our troubles, we can lay them before God, seeking the help we need at His throne. We also find strength in the Lord by turning to His people. Remember how Jonathan strengthened David in the Lord? Others can do the same for us as they remind us of and teach us from God's Word, holding our tired arms up in prayer as well.

As strength is needed, look to the Lord. He strengthened David and will do the same for you.