Why Follow Jesus - 9. He Strengthen You

Hello and welcome to Van Life Devotions. We’ve grown up reading and watching our favourite superheroes who have supernatural powers to save the world from supervillains. Even with all their powers, superheroes couldn't resolve humanity's numerous problems.

Daily temptations, struggles, and challenges are often tough to overcome. The Bible states that “the flesh is weak”(Mark 14:38), but it also teaches that followers of Jesus can access supernatural strength to resist temptations, grow through struggles, and overcome challenges. The Bible says, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart” (Psalms 73:26 NLT).

God is the source of all power. It was through His power that He created the world. He strengthened people and nations to overcome what was thrown at them. All the miracles in the bible were performed by the power of God. The Bible says, “Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” (Job 26:14 NIV).

Jesus death on the cross was violent and cruel. To make sure He was dead they thrust a spear into his side. Jesus was dead. He was then taken down and laid in a tomb. And then we are told in the Bible, “By his power God raised the Lord from the dead” (1 Corinthians 6:14 NIV). How else can it be explained but God’s power. Now, here’s the thing that I must admit I find hard to get my head around. This same power of God is available to followers of Jesus. In the Bible, Paul says, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead...” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT).

Allow me to explain. God is the source of all power, and He wants to help His followers as they face life issues and challenges. When you pray to Him for help or guidance or healing or whatever, by His Will and in His timing will you experience God’s strength. As the Bible Prophet wrote, “those who trust in the LORD will find new strength…”(Isaiah 40:31 NLT).  

In a previous devotion I shared about how I had a heart attack while snorkelling off the West Australian Coast. There was only Leisl and I at Turquoise Bay when suddenly I found it hard to breathe. I automatically turned to swim back to shore but found it hard. Leisl was under water and couldn’t hear me. Nobody else was at the beach, and to stop and rest was not an option. I had to swim back but I had little breath and so cried out to God, “Please help me”. Physically weak, God gave me the added strength I needed to swim back to shore safely. God is good. He says in the Bible, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

I know people who are convinced that God protects them from evil forces. The Bible does say that believers “are being guarded by God’s power” (1 Peter 1:5 CSB). I know many others who say that they are empowered by His Holy Spirit to serve others. Again, the Bible says, “Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20 GW).

Though I may not always understand God's ways, prayer provides me with the strength of protection, wisdom, guidance, and service beyond my natural abilities. Prayer taps into God's power.

Why be a follower of Jesus? Because He strengthens you.

How do you follow Jesus? Trust and obey. Trust in faith that Jesus is God’s Son who saved you on the cross. And follow Jesus as Lord by obeying His teachings.

I invite you to pray this prayer with me:

Father God.

I am sorry that I am a sinner.

Thank you for forgiving me.

I acknowledge that You are the source of all power.

When I am weak, please strengthen me.

Enable me to put my trust in You and

to obey Your teachings.

In Jesus’ name

Amen

David Moyes