Stand Strong

…be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:10

Everyone is taken with strength. I was reading recently that the competition for the World’s Strongest Man was postponed in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the competition was rescheduled in mid-November of 2020 in Florida. The winner was a Ukrainian by the name of Oleksii Novikov. It was only his second year of competition, breaking the world record in the partial deadlift. At only 24, Novikov at 6 feet 1 inches and 298 pounds…lifted 1,185 roughly 18 inches off the ground. This beat the previous world record set in 1983 according to a report in USA Today. Novikov was quoted in saying, “…when I walk in, I think, ‘Hmm, it’s not heavy, It’s no problem…”. Impressive!  

The truth is that the last two years have been demanding, discouraging, and draining for most of us. Ministers have told me that this has been one of the most challenging seasons in their careers. Plans have been spoiled, energy spent, and vitality sapped.   

As we step into 2022, I felt like the Lord gave me a word for us all. One big, bold, Bible word. STRONGER. I love the words of Paul in Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.”  Paul the Apostle was not speaking out of his own experience but was encouraging every believer to remember the source of our strength.

God doesn’t want you to enter into 2022…weary…weak…worn-out…wasted. He wants you to be strong…steady…successful…in ministry and life.  

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:10

I am looking forward to what God will do in and through you in 2022. I pray for the Holy Spirit’s strength to have vision, vitality, and victory.

I do not pray for a lighter load, but a stronger back.

Dr. Phillip Brooks