Strength for the day

​There can be plenty of reasons why we need strength for the day: too much to do at work or school, an illness or disease, strained relationships with others, a friend or family member going through a difficult time, financial troubles, loneliness, uncertainty about the future, failure, loss of a loved one, and being responsible for others or in a position of leadership. There are many people that have to deal with these problems in their lives. Christians know that God will give them strength for all the days of life. Here is the story of one famous Christian that persevered through all of the above difficulties.

When I was seven years old, my family was forced out of our home because of a legal technicality. I had to work to help support my family. At age nine, while still a backwards, shy little boy, my mother died. At age 22, I lost my job as a store clerk. I wanted to go to law school, but my education wasn’t good enough. At 23, I went into debt to become a partner in a small store. Three years later my partner died leaving me a huge debt, which took years to repay. At 28, after developing romantic relations with a young lady for four years, I asked her to marry me. She said no. At 37, on my third try, I was finally elected to the United States Congress. Two years later, I ran again and failed to be re-elected. I had a nervous breakdown at that time. At 41, adding additional heartache to an already unhappy marriage, my four-year-old son died. The next year I ran for Land Officer and lost. At 45, I ran for the Senate and lost. A few years later, I ran for the Vice Presidency and lost. At 49, I ran for the Senate again and lost. And at 51, I was elected President of the United States.
Who am I?
My name is Abraham Lincoln.

​President Abraham Lincoln knew that he needed to rely on God for strength for every day of his life. One of his most famous quotes states well how Christians know that God’s strength is sufficient from them. “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” Lincoln felt that the Bible was one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. Through the Bible, Christians are encouraged and given strength.

A search on www.biblegateway.com for the word “strength” brings up 232 Bible verses. Strength is something that God knows that we need and provides this for us. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:10. There can be days when everything that is going on is overwhelming, but God promises to help us through our days. A couple of excellent Bible verses to remember are from Lamentations and Matthew.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Reference
Stohlmann, M. (2017). The world's greatest provider. Seattle, WA: CreateSpace.