ALL THE STRENGTH YOU NEED

By: Dennis Harworth

     I have noticed it is typically said by well-meaning people to a person going through a challenging time, “You have to be strong.”  I know their desire is to encourage, but what the person hears is that if they can’t hold it together, there will be worse consequences.  I can tell you firsthand that an emotionally weakened person who is distraught, depressed or discouraged by their circumstances has a very difficult time finding strength on their own to keep going.

     Paul the Apostle understood it was spiritual strength that is needed to get through the trials of life.  He knew all about going through hard times.  Paul went through being jailed, scourged, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, robbed, (2 Corinthians 11:23-27), deserted by his co-laborer in ministry for worldly pleasures, and even “forsaken by all”, by close friends (2 Timothy 4:10,16).  It is no wonder Paul commands believers to “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might”. (Ephesians 6:10).

     Let’s look deeper into this verse. I don’t know about you, but I sure could use some extra strength to get through each day; some days I need more strength than others.  Although I am very familiar with this verse, I started researching the meaning of the key words to discover where to find all the strength I need.  Note the emphasis upon power and strength.  There are three different words used: strong, power, and might.  What I found is so exciting, that I eagerly want to share it with you.

     The Greek word for strong is the word, endunamoo; meaning “to strengthen; to make strong, vigorous”.  Endunamoo is a compound of the words en, meaning “in, signifying location or state”; and dunamis, meaning “explosive strength, power, and ability.”  This is where we get the English words, dynamite and dynamic. 

     The location of this dynamic power can only be found in one place – in the Lord.  Ephesians 6:10 in The Passion Translation says, “Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus.”  As a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, this same supernatural power which is abiding in the Person of Jesus is abiding in you!  In other words, this power supernaturally infuses you with an awesome inner strength, enabling you to endure any hardship or challenge and to successfully stand firm against any force. Wow, you have got to let this sink in. 

     But wait, there’s more!  The word power in the Greek is the word, kratos.  The Greek Lexicon defines it as “force, strength, might, more especially manifested power, dominion".  This power is demonstrative and tangible, it makes itself known, that almost always comes with an outward manifestation you can see.  It is the same mighty, forceful power displayed when God raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20).  This kratos power is overpowering, impossible to subdue or defeat, and is available to you! 

     When this kind of power which is outwardly manifested begins to work in you, it immediately looks for a way to be released so it can demonstrate itself.  So, as you let this power flow through you, it will begin to work and bring forth in you a great expectation of signs, wonders, and miracles.

      Last, but certainly not least, is the word, might, taken from the Greek word, ischus. It means "forcefulness, ability, or power.  It emphasizes the inherent strength or capacity to do something.”  This word paints the picture of an extremely strong, mighty man with great muscular capabilities.  This power is the character, nature, and attribute of Almighty God.  When Paul says, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might; ischus describes God’s might as the force that backs up the power.  This means that God in all His power and the full force of His mighty strength energizes the strength and power within you that you need, when you need it. 

      So, realize and understand that you have access to this dynamic, demonstrative power of Almighty God that is within you which enables you to stand against every spiritual attack and operate in bold authority.  This force of God’s explosive power flowing in and through you equips you to overcome every challenge and see the supernatural become reality. 

You can do this because with His divine power you have   

ALL THE STRENGTH YOU  NEED!