Right before I copied the above verse down I noticed the "he" is in lowercase. This means the strong one this verse is talking about isn't God,but the one who carries out God's word. That means you and me when we choose to carry out God's word. No matter how you are feeling at the time (weak, lousy, inadequate, scared) you are strong because you have God and His words behind you (and in front of you and beneath and above you).
In that vein, I want to tell you about the Internet Bible study I am going to start in the next few weeks. It will be about the Word, using it as the Sword of the Spirit it is. If we don't use the Word (the only offensive weapon we've been given ... prayer is too but prayer is much more powerful when you use the Word to pray) we are going into battle, into life handicapped. Using the Word rightly will bring God into every area of your life (He's already there but you will notice Him more). Using the Word rightly will help you live the Life God has created you for.
When challenges come, You will have a resource to use to deal with and overcome those challenges.
When you get discouraging news or are beaten down by this world, you will have a way to let that stuff not affect you at all.
Knowing the Word well and using it well will change your life in incredible ways. You will not doubt that God will equip you in all ways to carry out the purpose He has for you. Nothing is impossible for God, and when you use the Word rightly, you will truly believe this. You will realize nothing is impossible in your life because You have God and His Word. You have His promises.
One word of caution: this study does not promote asking for anything from God and expecting to get it. We are not here for ourselves. We are here for God. If God blesses in some way, that blessing is for you to enjoy but then to share with others. If you have an incredible talent God wants you to use that talent to touch others. In the sharing you will be blessed.
If God blesses you financially, He doesn't want you to hoard the blessing. He doesn't want you to store it away for some future you don't know you'll have. There are people dying who need Jesus. He's just put a tool in your hand. What will you do with it?
And not just finances -- any tool, any gift, any talent He gives you -- how are you going to use it?
Have you seen the movie "Spy games?" It stars Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. I love it. In the end Redford's character liquidates all his assets ($282,000 worth) to save Pitt's character and the woman Pitt's character loves. I know it is just a movie, but as I watched it I wondered, would I do that? He had all the excuses in the world not to. But he did it. He used not only his financial resources but his contacts and his skills to get the job done.
We are not here for ourselves.
Think about joining my Bible study this coming year. I'll have it posted on this site (probably to the right of this blog). I'm writing the study. I know it will challenge you and get you into the Word. The format will be (I think ) a lesson every week that has 30 points or questions rather than a five day format. That way each participant can do it at his or her own pace. Then, I'll make available videos to those who are interested where I will talk about the lesson. I will also have an open forum for questions, comments and discussion. It will be an organic thing -- we'll see how it works out. The cost will be $10 (which gives you access to weekly assignments, the forum and the videos). It might be a great study for study groups -- if you have a study group I will surely give you a discount for the group -- not every individual has to pay $10.
Think about it. It is going to be great!