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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Inner Strength (04/20/06)
Some people are said to have inner strength.

Inner strength?!

I consider it strength if I have the courage to get up each morning. Every day as I swing my legs over the side of the bed, I beat the foe. Life is hard. Most days, I feel as ineffective as the disciples when they asked Jesus, “Why couldn’t we drive out the demon?”


His answer must have cut them to the heart and it does me.

“Because, you have so little faith.”

“So little faith” is the reason my demons won’t come out. My mountains won’t move.

“So little faith” was the reason Jonah boarded a ship headed for Tar shish.

“So little faith” fueled Abraham’s request to Sarah. “Tell the people you are my sister.”

Yet eventually, each one obtained the inner strength needed to have victory in their life. The disciples drove out demons, healed the sick, and many other miraculous things, but not until after watching the brutal death and glorious return of their friend, Jesus.

It is recorded that Abraham had great faith and I certainly agree. Still, he didn’t stand on that mountain with his knife aimed at the promise as a strapping young man. Rather, Abraham, quite old with inner strength forged through many childless years, stood on that mountain. Jonah found his inner strength in the belly of a whale.

Great faith comes at great cost. None of us will be spared the tilling or the death that changes a mustard seed into a sky scraping tree. Following Jesus isn’t the easy life. I have counted the cost and it is high.

Yet in the words of my youth, “I pick Jesus. No trade backs!” He is the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus working through me is inner strength. Why just this morning, He pushed two mountains over the side of the bed.
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This article has been read 1453 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Helen Paynter
04/27/06
A really telling devotional but written with a light touch - I especially loved the ending
Pat Guy
04/27/06
*chuckle, chuckle* Two mountains? :) (still laughing)

Provoking and wise thoughts that challenge our desire for strength - it's not easy and the price is high.

Great devotional.
terri tiffany
04/29/06
Great beginning! Good devotional... I too loved the ending and how you wove it all together so well.
Jan Ackerson
04/29/06
One of the best last sentences for a devotional that I've ever read!
Jean Elizabeth 
05/02/06
This reminds me of the song "Jesus Loves Me". "We are weak while He is strong..." Great job!
Rita Garcia
05/02/06
Great Entry, I will be recalling this story for mornings to come. 'Two mountains' - perfect ending!!!
Debbie OConnor
05/02/06
I relate! Love the ending. I give Him a hard time in the morning. Good thing all things are possible for Him! :)
George Hurst
10/17/07
Darlene, I first want to THANK YOU for you comments, suggestions and encouragements of my article: A Sunday, A Savior...A Celebration!!!

I just loved this article of yours: So Little Faith! Boy, does the TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD...set us free; after it has cut us to the heart. But, that is it's purpose...and as our Lord has siad so many times; THIS IS NOT UNTO DEATH; but only to reveal the Glory of God !!! Our transformation, and bringing us more into the people that we are ALL CREATED TO BE...is the purpose of God's Word; and it will not return unto Him void.

I hope that we each WILL CONTINUE TO READ, COMMENT and ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER...into a GREAT FAITH, and the ABUNDANT LIFE and LOVE of our Lord!!! God bless you.