You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1
When I think about writing about the word “strong,” my mind immediately goes to the book of Joshua which tells us five times to be strong along with also being courageous. But I was interested to come across a passage in 2 Timothy wherein Paul admonishes to be strong in grace.
I had to think that over for awhile.
Along with mustering up my courage and acting in spite of my fears, Paul is saying we can be strong from a place of weakness. We can trust the favor of God will help us even when we don’t deserve it!
I’ve been feasting on Psalm 23 for a least a year now; and His assurance that we have what we need (verse 1), He will renew our strength and guide us (verse 3), He is always close beside us (verse 4) and that grace and mercy are pursuing us (verse 6) ought to help us trust in His grace. After all, sheep do nothing to make the Shepherd love them. And if we are fully trusting, then we are strong.
Trusting in His grace instead of your own strength is the best way to be strong.
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I’m grateful you dropped by! I’m praying you walk in grace today.
I’m sharing this post with the communities at Five Minute Friday, Grace and Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee, Recharge Wednesday, Tune In Thursday
Lovely! Yes, in our weakness He is strong.
Amen! It’s not a bad thing to admit we are weak – It makes room for Him to move.
Thanks for dropping by!
Thank you for this encouragement today.
Thanks for coming, Lauren. God bless!
It is liberating to know that I don’t have to be Super Anything in this world. I just need to lean into Him! What a good! Good God we have!
Amen! He is the provider of everything we need – even strength!
Thanks for your visit!
Beautiful piece. Yes to this: “Trusting in His grace instead of your own strength is the best way to be strong.”
Doesn’t it make one feel a lessening of pressure? It’s not up to me!
God bless, Karen!
Hi Jerralea, I love this line, “And if we are fully trusting, then we are strong.” I’ve been writing a lot about trusting God this month, maybe because I need to start doing it more. I’m reminded today to trust in His grace. That is all we need to be strong. Thanks for the encouraging word today.
Thanks, Suzette. It just struck me differently this time when I read this scripture. We can be strong because His grace has shown us we can trust Him. Thanks for dropping by!
Jerralea, I needed to read these words this afternoon >>> “Trusting in His grace instead of your own strength is the best way to be strong.”
Thanks, Joanne! So thankful those words spoke to you! It’s not all on me, it’s on Him.
I love that verse in Joshua where God commands him (and us) to be strong and courageous. I believe being brave means doing it even if you don’t feel equipped, but you’re doing in faith–you’re doing it because you can trust God to have your back. Thank you for these wonderful words.
I love those verses in Joshua, too, especially the way the NLT translates verse 7,”Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.”
How awesome would it be to do everything successfully? I want to be strong, courageous and obedient.
Thanks from visiting, Lisa!
Yes, yes, yes. I love this so much, Jerralea. I hardly even knew of grace the first 18 years of my life. I grew up in a very conservative, works-oriented religion, and grace was rarely mentioned. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with God all over again because of his rich grace. I never tire reading about it and experiencing it!
Grace has become so precious to me! I often say now that if I had to do it over again, all three of my daughters would have grace somewhere in their names.
Thanks for coming by, Lisa!