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Elevate Your Strength

How Jesus Gives You Strength

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. Philippians 4:10-13 NLT

Jesus gives me strength by:

Allowing me to do more with less

…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4:11-12 NLT

More clutters, less clarifies

Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Jesus always invites people to let go of something.

Surrounding me with people who love Jesus

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Philippians 4:10 NLT

I need people that will:

Personally encourage me

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. 1 Thessalonians. 2:12 NLT

Professionally advise me

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. Proverbs 15:22 NLT

Prophetically challenge me

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 NLT

Giving me his personal power

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

The power of Jesus is available when:

I feel weak

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

When I have a hard season at work

That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:29 NLT

When I need patience with others

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the…patience you need. Colossians 1:11 NLT

When I need a miracle

A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:43-48 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can be still and meet with God. Take a deep breath, let go of today’s worries, and ask God to meet you in this space. When you’re ready, begin a conversation with God about strength and power. Share with God your ideas about strength and weakness and talk with him through some questions like, “What makes you feel strong, and what makes you feel weak? What would grace look like for you in this season of life so Jesus can turn your weaknesses into something powerful that he can use? What might you need to let go of so that God can do something powerful and show his strength in your current circumstances?” Continue the conversation with God asking him to show you those who see your weaknesses and see God’s grace in you, those who can encourage you to see that too. Invite them to join you in prayer this week to help you ask God for his strength to surrender what needs surrendering and to heal what needs healing so that you can be used by him in powerful ways.​

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about God or yourself lately in your personal Bible reading time? What stood out to you this week?
  2. Read Philippians 4:10-13. In what practical ways has Jesus given you the strength to endure and be content though this difficult season?
  3. Read Hebrews 12:1. What specific things in your life, sin or otherwise, have been slowing you down as you try to follow Jesus and what can you do this week to throw them off?
  4. Read Proverbs 15:22. Who are the people that encourage, advise and inspire you, and are they the ones Jesus wants for you?
  5. Read Luke 8:43-48. Like the woman bleeding for 12 years, are there any hidden issues, addictions or problems that you need to be open and honest about to find healing?
  6. Read Colossians 1:29. Where do you feel like you personally need the strength and power of Jesus right now?