Skip to main content

Building Spiritual Strength


Building Spiritual Strength

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

1. Just as physical strength grows through exertion against resistance, spiritual strength grows through challenges and adversity.

2. It is important to actively seek out opportunities to build your faith and understanding by facing spiritual resistance.

3. Do not be discouraged by obstacles or trials in your spiritual journey; they are essential for your growth and development.

4. Embrace the challenges that come your way, knowing that they will ultimately lead to a deeper faith and stronger relationship with God.

5. Trust in God's guidance and strength as you face spiritual resistance, knowing that He is with you every step of the way.

Dear God, help us to embrace the challenges and obstacles that come our way in our spiritual journey. Give us the strength and courage to face resistance and grow in our faith. Guide us in building our spiritual strength so that we may draw closer to you each day. Amen.

My story 

I have always been someone who seeks to grow and improve myself in all areas of my life. Whether it be physically, mentally, or spiritually, I am always looking for ways to push myself beyond my limits. However, I never truly understood the importance of facing spiritual resistance until recently.

I had found myself in a period of stagnation and complacency in my faith. I was going through the motions of attending church and reading the Bible, but I wasn't truly challenging myself or pushing myself to grow spiritually. It wasn't until I faced a difficult situation in my life that I realized the importance of spiritual resistance.

I found myself questioning my beliefs and struggling to make sense of the challenges I was facing. It was in those moments of doubt and uncertainty that I realized I needed to confront the spiritual resistance head on. I needed to lean into the discomfort and uncertainty and trust that it was all part of a larger plan for my growth.

As I began to face these spiritual challenges, I found that my faith began to deepen and strengthen. I realized that just as physical strength grows through exertion against resistance, so too does spiritual strength. By facing and overcoming spiritual resistance, I was able to grow in my faith and deepen my relationship with God.

Now, I embrace spiritual resistance as a necessary part of my growth journey. I no longer shy away from challenges or difficult questions, but instead, I welcome them as opportunities for growth and transformation. I understand that building faith is more important than building muscle, and I am committed to continually pushing myself to grow spiritually, no matter the resistance I may face.

Go deeper

The Bible teaches that struggles and trials are necessary for the growth and maturation of a believer's faith. James 1:2-4 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Therefore, embracing struggles as opportunities for spiritual growth aligns with biblical principles. Romans 5:3-5 also highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of trials, as it leads to character development and hope. Additionally, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 reminds believers that God's power is made perfect in weakness, indicating that struggles can be a means through which God demonstrates His strength. In conclusion, embracing struggles as building blocks of spiritual strength and resilience is consistent with biblical teachings and can lead to a deeper reliance on God and a stronger faith in Him.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Firm Foundation of Faith

## The Firm Foundation of Faith **Scripture:** Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." **Thought:** Life's journey is often marked by uncertainty and challenges. This faith allows us to persevere, knowing that God is working, even when we can't see the immediate results. It empowers us to step forward with courage, knowing we're not alone. Embracing this understanding allows us to live with a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace rooted in the unshakeable truth of God's love and faithfulness. **Action Plan:** Spend 15 minutes today in quiet meditation on Hebrews 11. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you need to strengthen your faith. **Prayer:** Heavenly Father, I come before You today acknowledging my need for a stronger faith. Help me to truly grasp the meaning of Hebrews 11:1, to trust in Your promises even when I cannot see the outcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen. My story  Th...
Post a Comment
Read more

**Restoring Relationships**

Last Tuesday, during Eskom’s Stage 6 load-shedding, I sat in my dimly lit Akasia living room, staring at a WhatsApp message from my cousin Thabo. Our once-close bond had fractured over a political debate—ANC vs. EFF—that spiraled into personal jabs. His text read: *“You’ve become a coconut, bra. Black on the outside, white-washed inside.”* My reply? A venomous *“At least I’m not a populist clown.”* Pride, that sly serpent, had coiled around our tongues.   But as the generator hummed and my coffee cooled, Colossians 3:13 flickered in my mind like a candle in the dark: *“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”* Unconditional. No asterisks. No “but he started it.” Just grace.   **II. The Theology of Broken Pipes**   South Africa knows fractures. Our Vaal River, choked by sewage and neglect, mirrors relational toxicity—grievances left to fester. Yet, Christ’s forgiveness isn’t a passive drip; it’s a flash flood. To “bear with one another” (Colossians 3:13) is to choo...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Power of the Mundane

## The Power of the Mundane **Scripture:** "And not a sparrow falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31 **Thought:** We often focus on the big moments, the grand gestures, believing those are the only things that truly matter to God. But Jesus reminds us that He cares deeply for even the smallest details of our lives. The way we approach our daily tasks, the words we speak, the thoughts we harbor – all of it is important. God sees it all, and He values each detail. This understanding empowers us to see purpose in the mundane, to find meaning in the seemingly insignificant. **Action Plan:** Today, choose one small task that you typically rush through or do without much thought. As you do it, consciously pause and offer it as a prayer to God. Thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him, even in this seemingly insignificant act.  **...
Post a Comment
Read more