The Source of True Strength

I was visiting with my daughter Abigail who is expecting twins. She has already been “blessed” with two special needs little boys. Life can be hard; life can be difficult; and sometimes the unknown is terrifying. As we visited, I shared with Abigail what I have found to be the source of strength in difficult times.

I have discovered this reservoir again and again, not when life was going as I thought it should, but when I was confronted with challenges that felt insurmountable. That was when I discovered the truth of the hymn by Annie J. Flint that says: He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; to added affliction He added His mercy, to multiplied trials His multiplied peace.

The name of this hymn is “He Giveth More Grace.” I shared with Abigail the different chapters in my life where I experienced the sweet place of surrender. “When we have exhausted our store of endurance, when our strength has failed ere the day is half done, when we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun.”

The book of James tells us to, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” What is joy? Joy is produced when you become aware that even the greatest trial cannot exceed the provisions or the resources God has for us. The more we experience His limitless love the more steadfast we become in our faith.

What is the source of true strength? I believe that true strength comes when the hardships of this life cause us to become sure of what we hope for, because we have encountered the limitless provisions of a loving God. When we lean hard on the everlasting arms we find that His power has no boundaries. The byproduct of this kind of strength is both joy and peace.