Trusting in His Strength
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your thoughtful question. Today’s question is one that many believers wrestle with: “The Bible tells me that I should carry my own cross like Jesus carried His. What does it mean to carry my cross?” This is a question that touches the core of our discipleship and faith journey.
Carrying our cross, as Jesus instructed, means embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Him. It is about denying ourselves, taking up our burdens, and walking the path He has set for us with faith and perseverance. It’s not just about enduring hardships; it’s about trusting in His strength to carry us through those difficulties. By leaning on His power and guidance, we find the strength to carry our own crosses, no matter how heavy they may seem.
Psalm 55:22 beautifully encapsulates this theme: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” This verse reminds us that we are not meant to carry our burdens alone. God invites us to cast our anxieties, fears, and struggles onto Him, promising that He will sustain us. The background of this Psalm is one of deep personal anguish and betrayal, yet it culminates in a powerful affirmation of God’s sustaining presence. The psalmist’s experience resonates with our own struggles and reassures us that God’s strength is ever-present, ready to uphold us.
For younger Christians, trusting in God’s strength often means learning to surrender control and rely on His guidance. In a world that promotes self-reliance and individualism, it can be challenging to let go and trust in someone we cannot see. However, it is in these moments of surrender that we truly experience the fullness of God’s strength. Encourage young believers to cultivate a habit of prayer and reflection, reminding them that their strength comes from the Lord, not from their own efforts.
For older Christians, trusting in His strength can take on different dimensions. With age often comes the accumulation of life’s burdens—health issues, family responsibilities, and the weight of past regrets or unfulfilled dreams. Remind them that God’s strength is timeless and that His promises remain true regardless of our age or circumstances. Sharing stories of God’s faithfulness in their past can reinforce the reality of His sustaining power in the present and future.
Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” This passage, part of Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesians, calls believers to find their strength in the Lord. The original Greek word for “strength” here is kratos (κράτος), which signifies mighty power or force. This term emphasizes that our strength is not merely human endurance but is derived from God’s immense and divine power. By putting on the full armor of God, as Paul continues to explain, we equip ourselves to stand firm against the challenges and spiritual battles we face. This scripture reminds us that trusting in God’s strength means actively relying on His power and protection in all aspects of our lives.
Isaiah 40:29 states, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.” This verse highlights God’s compassion and readiness to empower those who are weary. The Hebrew word for strength, koach (כֹּחַ), refers to physical or mental vigor and capability. It reassures us that God is the source of our vitality, replenishing us when we are exhausted. By acknowledging our weaknesses and turning to God for renewal, we tap into His boundless reservoir of strength. This passage encourages believers to trust that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, transforming our limitations into opportunities for His strength to be displayed.
Two insightful voices on this theme are Charles Spurgeon and A.W. Tozer. Spurgeon once said, “God does not need your strength: He has more than enough power of His own. He asks for your weakness; He has none of that Himself, and He is longing, therefore, to take your weakness and use it as the instrument in His own mighty hand.” Spurgeon’s words remind us that God’s strength is magnified in our weaknesses. This perspective shifts our focus from trying to muster our own strength to allowing God to work through our vulnerabilities.
A.W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, writes, “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.” Tozer’s insight underscores the sufficiency of God’s presence in our lives. Trusting in His strength means recognizing that in Him, we have everything we need. His strength becomes our strength, His wisdom our guidance, and His love our sustenance. This assurance empowers us to face life’s challenges with confidence and peace, knowing that we are supported by the Almighty.
In closing, I offer you this encouraging thought: “In leaning on His cross, let me not refuse my own; yet in bearing mine, let me bear it by the strength of His.” (John Baillie) This statement encapsulates the essence of our journey with Christ, reminding us to embrace our crosses with the strength He provides.
May you find peace and strength in His enduring presence.
Intentional Faith 