Today’s verse is a promise from God to His people. It
uses the word “bars” which can mean the strap of a sandal or the protection of
literal bars. The rest of it is God’s guarantee to give strength for each day.
Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be. (Deuteronomy 33:25)
I went online for a sermon or something concerning this
verse. I found one that talks about the need of Christians to realize our
weakness before we can see the preciousness of God’s strength. The preacher
mentions the obvious occasions where my weakness shows up, such as in failure
and suffering. However, he also puts a finger on one thing not so obvious —
progress.
As God’s people try to grow in grace and manage a bit of
progress, we will find ourselves struggling to take one step forward and then
easily taking a great many steps backward. It is to this daily battle that God
makes this encouraging promise.
Some days are full of sorrow when I must sit alone under God’s
hand, yet the strength promised is not mere endurance. Whenever the trials of
life draw out that “I’ve gotten used to it” attitude, I miss out on any increased
capacity for action, comfort, or hope. Instead, the strength God promises will take
the edge off calamities and even make me more than a conqueror over them. God
wants me to have the kind of strength that not only enables me to endure but
also builds my Christian character, just as the New Testament says…
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)
God’s promise for daily strength is only as good as the One
who made it has the ability to deliver. People make promises and may not keep
them. For that disappointment, I must deal with a trust issue. But God always
keeps His promises, even if up front it seems and feels as if it will not
happen. His faithfulness does not depend on mine. Even when I have little faith
or hope, God remains true to His Word.
Right now, the day seems normal, but Charles Spurgeon
says that every house has a trouble factory. This is true. Even when life goes
well, I know it will not stay that way. Trouble is coming, if not today, it
will rear its ugly head. But Jesus looks at trouble then looks my way and says
fear not. He uses trouble to teach me to rely on Him moment by moment.
In the past, I’ve asked for strength for the week, or for
a task. Yet, God does not promise annual strength, monthly strength, or even
weekly strength. One writer says he is glad about that because some trial or
trouble may be great and he might use his monthly allowance on it and not be
able to wait until next month for a fresh supply!
God is wise. His supply is according to my need, and it doesn’t
run out as long as I live. Whatever the trials and as long as they come, I will
have Sunday strength, Monday strength, Tuesday strength and so on until the day
I am with Him in eternity.
Lord, this is timely. Forgive me for taking Your strength
for granted and neglecting to ask for it every day, even more often, every
moment. Life has been demanding and beyond my capacity. But nothing is too hard
for You. For whatever is needed today, grant me all that I need to meet the
challenges.
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