Bulletin Proverbs 24:10 (NIV) 10 If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! 2 Timothy 4:17-18 (NIV) 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. In order to stand against a storm, there is need of strength that is effective against the particular nature of the storm to be encountered. For a wind, rain and lightning type of storm, there is need for a structure with foundation and walls that is sufficient to withstand the strength of the gale. In a conflict that involves physical grappling and an exchange of blows, a physique that has developed muscles with endurance is most helpful. Where there is a need for strategies, planning and direction to resolve an issue, strength of mental problem solving can provide the necessary resolution. Relational conflicts are in need of strong moral character to guard against destructive responses and retaliation. In order to not succumb to the storm’s threatening in any area there is a need for confidence in a strength that is sufficient for the moment. Whenever the necessary strength is lacking, there is another way of still successfully weathering the storm at hand. If there is someone nearby that is developed in the needed strength, their power can make up for any deficiency. By simply garnering their favor and interest in your concern, the necessary strength can be activated on your behalf. Instead of failing for weakness, an established relationship can yield the needed strength to stand. Now, however, it is the strength of this bond that will be proven. Though we are not promised an exit from the storm altogether, there is an assurance that, no matter the nature of the threat, we have someone right there with us whose strength is more than sufficient. When the storm does come, our weathering of it will be the result of a strong reliance upon the One who has promised to be the strength that we need. Notes Strength – Resource required to overcome opposition. Failure to weather the storm is due to small strength. Proverbs 24:10 (NIV) 10 If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Be Strong! Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Strength is found at the throne we’ve been given access to in Christ. Hebrews 4:16 (TPT) 16 So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. The One with the strength – right at the side 2 Timothy 4:17-18 (NIV) 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Fear lives where strength is concealed. Need for revelation 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (TPT) 7 For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. 8 So never be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor be embarrassed over my imprisonment, but overcome every evil by the revelation of the power of God! Revelation of power – to be experienced. Ephesians 1:19-20 (TPT) 19 I pray that you will continually experience the immeasurable greatness of God’s power made available to you through faith. Then your lives will be an advertisement of this immense power as it works through you! This is the mighty power 20 that was released when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted him to the place of highest honor and supreme authority in the heavenly realm! The reporter sees the notepad. The author sees a manuscript. Faith’s preparation for the storm Joel 3:10 (NIV) 10 Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, “I am strong!” Perfected power – in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV) 9 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Strength in rejoicing at the Word’s revelation Nehemiah 8:10,12 (NIV) 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. By joy strength is found in the Lord/His Word. Isaiah 12:1-3 (NIV) 1 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Psalms 28:7-8 (NIV) 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Live continually in grace empowered strength 2 Timothy 2:1 (TPT) 1 Timothy, my dear son, live your life empowered by God’s free-flowing grace, which is your true strength, found in the anointing of Jesus and your union with him ! Through Christ – all-enabling strength Philippians 4:13 (NIV) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.