MAY 25-31: STRENGTH
Come Follow Me “The Lord Raised Up a Deliverer” Judges 2–4; 6–8; 13–16
Where do you find strength? Judges 4-5 tells of a judge Deborah. We remember her because she’s one of the few females mentioned in what might have been considered a men-only role. We want to emulate her, because she showed strength in wisdom - even to prophesy. Wisdom isn’t merely knowledge. It comes from knowing where to place your trust: packaging knowledge along with trusting God’s truth above mankind.
‘The fear of the Lord is where wisdom starts, above all else please guard your heart. For out of your heart flow the issues of life, it matters how you spend your time.’
Wisdom Song - Laura Woodley Osman
Do you find Strength in Others? Friends and family. I hope so. Seek to be with others who encourage the best in you. We are not meant to do it all alone - our differences come with weakness, but more importantly they provide unique strengths, which we can offer to help each other in weak moments.
‘Who you are is more important than what you have. Choose to lift others up, not because you Have to, but because you Can.’ (for those of you who like some rap.)
Showing Kindness Isn’t Weakness, It’s Strength (The BE KIND song!) - Fearless Soul
Judges 13-16 tells the tragic story of Samson. A man who was born with great potential. And he was an idiot. Especially when it came to women. Even when a woman showed her betrayal over and over, he still succumbed to her. He allowed himself to be controlled by his anger and passions, which brought the destruction of thousands, as well as his own.
Lesson: there is Wisdom in Obedience. Believe that God and goodly parents aren’t trying to control you, but want your happiness. Discuss things with them. Trust the proven pattern, even as you put your own flair into it. Following their guidance may avoid a lot of tragedy and heartbreak.
‘Every step of humble yielding draws your heaven close to me ... when I trust your holy purpose, though the answers aren’t around.’
Power in Obedience - Lauren Daigle
Above all, strength is found in the one who continually gives everything for us. Far beyond painfully giving up His short mortal life, He’s giving us His eternal life so that we may have an eternal life of joy and increase.
‘In the stillness of the night, I look up to star-filled skies. I pay reverence to the Son who said ‘Not mine but Thine be done’. He knew that we would fall, so He’d descend below us all ... I bow in wonder.’
Wonder - Carrie Yost feat. Bowen Maxson
Find Strength in Jesus Christ.