12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. -1 Timothy 1:12-14
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him that it is Jesus Christ who is his strength and whose grace overflows in his life not only to show the greatness of God’s mercy in his life, but also as an assurance to Timothy of Christ’s ability to be a sure and certain strength in Timothy’s life and ministry as well.
This teaching and promise is for us as well. We see throughout scripture how God is the strength of God’s people. Psalm 21 reminds us that God is the strength of the king, who rejoices in God’s provision in his life. God in Christ Jesus desires to be our sure and certain strength in life as well and is the only lasting source of strength on which we can rely.
Life comes with all sorts of hurdles and pitfalls, but God is there for us, waiting and wanting to be our strength in time of need as well as time of plenty. The weight of life and all that is happening in the world can be overwhelming, yet God is here for us, to strengthen, support, and guide us in all things. So let us cast ourselves upon Jesus our Lord with gratitude, for the love, grace, and mercy we have been shown and look to him for strength in all parts of life, in the little things and in the big things.
Thanks be to God who leads us beside still waters. Thanks be to God who is with us even in the valley of the shadow of death. Thanks be to God, by whom our cups overflow!
-Pastor Brian
