Strength in weakness?

An online video says that to be strong in painful events and difficult circumstances means to respond to them with acceptance, even indifference. It speaks of realizing one’s helplessness to change things and that the only course of action is to live with it. 

This morning I did a search in Scripture for the term “be strong” and found that God’s way to do it is far more empowering than just living with problems. These examples reveal that God is with me to do whatever seems too difficult for me, and it His promises and presence give me His strength. My part in it is remembering where power comes from and not missing out on that power by disobedience or trying to tackle the problem without Him:

You shall therefore keep the whole commandment that I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and take possession of the land that you are going over to possess. (Deuteronomy 11:8)
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7–9)
And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (Joshua 10:25)
But go, act, be strong for the battle. Why should you suppose that God will cast you down before the enemy? For God has power to help or to cast down.” (2 Chronicles 25:8)
Can your courage endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it. (Ezekiel 22:14)
Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, (Haggai 2:4)

My part is not just knowing God is with me, and being obedient, but patiently waiting for Him. This means waiting for His instructions and for the peace and power that He gives. It also means realizing, admitting, and even being glad that I cannot handle any challenges in my own strength. 

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)
And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” (Daniel 10:19)
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

Being watchful for His commands and standing firm comes to those who wait, not reluctantly or helplessly, but with the attitude that He is in charge and something good will come from this if I leave it to Him, do what He says, and remain confident rather than panic — for fear is not from God. Nor is my weakness an obstacle for His strength, but rather an opportunity.

PRAY: Lord, I don’t know why You are speaking to me about fear and trusting You is trials. It could be that trials are on the doorstep? But I know what You say is good because You are good. I also know my mom’s mantra is good too (“We must need it or we wouldn’t be getting it!”) so I will trust You, regardless of circumstances, and be strong, not in myself but in You and Your strength and goodness.