After giving your life to Jesus Christ, did you feel like what was next? Where do I go from here?
You are not alone. Many, if not discipled properly, will try to live their newfound faith in Christ in their own strength. By doing so, you will set yourself on a course of unneeded struggles.
As newfound believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us. He is our companion, comforter, counselor, guide, and much more. We need to learn to lean on God!
God has so much for you! We have an amazing life in Him, but we have to discover it and do it in His strength!
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The Struggle Is Real
John 16:33 (NLT) — 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT) — 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
I get it; life can be difficult at times. Unfortunately, some have faced serious hardships, hardships that no one should go through in life. I am in continuous contact with Christians in Pakistan and other countries that are anti-Christian. They are constantly being persecuted with physical harm or even death. Many can’t find employment because the predominant Muslim employers won’t hire them. There are no schools to send their children to because the government schools teach the Islam religion.
There is nowhere in the Word of God where it promises us a golden road along the way to heaven. No, Jesus clearly said we will face trials and tribulations as believers. We will be persecuted for our faith. Apostle Paul even reiterated this in 2 Timothy 3:12.
I am not trying to spew hopelessness here. I am a man of faith. I have no doubt that God takes care of me and has his best for me. But we must look at reality. In some form or fashion, we are all going to face struggles. We need to learn to live our lives in such a way that we don’t rely on our own strength but the strength of Christ!
Jesus is Our Strength Through His Grace
2 Corinthians 12:8–9 (NLT) — 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
If there is anyone who has had a few hard knocks in life as a believer in Christ, it is Apostle Paul. From shipwrecks to beatings to imprisonment and much more, the scripture above is in reference to Apostle Paul asking the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh. Basically, satan was constantly buffeting him with hardships. But how did Jesus respond? He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
Please, don’t go sideways on these scriptures and justify all the hardships you may have in your life. Many hardships that we face in life today are because of our own doing, the decisions that we have made, and the failure to walk in the Word of God.
Apostle Paul was graced to go through what he went through to advance the Kingdom of God. Someone getting their car repossessed is not the result of the devil buffeting them, it’s because they either got a car they couldn’t afford or they are not properly managing their finances. I do realize in a rate situation it is possible the enemy could be involved in you not able to make your car payment.
I want you to focus on the word GRACE. It is a critical word in the New Testament for believers to understand and live by. If you ask professing Christians what grace means, most will tell you either it is for salvation or uncommon favor, and they are correct. But how many of us know that a word can have multiple meanings? In 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, we see another definition that a small percentage of Christians know: grace also means empowerment.
Apostle Paul was empowered by grace through the Holy Spirit to deal with the hardships that he went through. The scripture says, “My grace (empowerment) is all you need.” That was Jesus’ answer to the Apostle Paul. I always say, he was grace to do what he was called to do.
Many people have told me that they admire me as a missionary and that they could never do it. My immediate response is that I could never do it either, but it is by the grace of God I can do it. See, God’s plan and purpose for my life is to be in the mission field. He grace (empowered) me to do it along with my wife.
You have to stop trying to do what God has called you to do on your own strength. You have to allow His grace to empower you to do it. When you do, then you will see yourself accomplishing things you never thought were possible.
Apostle Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Realize that all your efforts will never amount to anything in comparison to the Lord Jesus Christ. He can empower you to go ten times further than you could ever do on your own. It is as simple as realizing this, recognizing your weakness, and allowing the Lord to empower you.
His Strength, Not Yours
Philippians 4:13 (NLT) — 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
God calls all of us to do something for His Kingdom. Romans 12:6- 8 says that God has given us the ability to do things well by His grace. All throughout scripture, God has a plan and purpose for our individual lives.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do everything through Christ. There is not one thing that we can’t do for the Kingdom of God that He tells us to do. There are no limitations whatsoever. Why? Because it says that through Christ, we gain strength.
Strength in this scripture means the following
To cause one to be able to function or do something
To render strong with power (greek word - dunamis)
To be enabled inwardly strengthened. To suggest strength in soul and purpose
So, Philippians 4:13, along with Romans 12:6-8 literally says, “God has given us abilities to do things well, and we can do everything that God has assigned through His Son, Jesus Christ. The reason is that we have been rendered strong with power and inward strength.”
Chew on this for a while and let that sink in. If you truly learn to live this, you will never limit yourself in Christ ever again. Did you notice what I just wrote there? I didn’t say you will never limit yourself. I wrote you will never limit yourself IN CHRIST. When we begin to realize it’s not about us but Christ, we will be unstoppable. “I can’t” will never come out of our mouths.
Strengthened and Upheld by God’s Hand
Isaiah 41:9–10 (NLT) — 9 I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, you have been chosen. God has a plan specifically for you. He is not about to throw you away. You may want to throw your own self away, but not God. He sees who you are and who you can be. That’s who we need to see ourselves as.
When we walk with God, we should never be fearful or walk in discouragement. The Word of God assures us what we have in Christ. Once you know that, then there is no other way to look at it. On top of that, we have God on our side, who causes everything to work together for the good of us and who loves Him and is called according to his purpose.
Here is the word again: He will strengthen us and help us. Not only that, but He will hold us up with His victorious hand. Think about this: Before we even get out of bed, we are victorious that day! In whatever we do for the Lord according to His plan and purpose, we are given the needed strength and help from God! We can’t fail!
I can hear it now, someone who is reading this and murmuring, “Well, you don’t know my life, or you don’t know so and so’s life.” I might not know your life or other people’s lives, but I know my own life. Also, I clearly wrote, “whatever we do for the Lord ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN AND PURPOSE.” You can’t think you can go do your own thing and expect God to give you all the benefits. These benefits are only for those who are mindful of God’s desires for their lives and walking in it.
We will run and not grow weary
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) — 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
I am the first to admit that life can get tiring. There are times when I work night and day, Monday through Friday, trying to get projects done. On top of that, maybe life issues are squeezing in on me. One thing that I do is keep in mind the promises of God for my life, knowing that I will harvest a blessing. I just can’t give up. I have to keep pushing myself.
Isaiah 40:29–31 (NLT) — 29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. 30 Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
We all get weak at times, and if anyone says they don’t, they are either oblivious to it or not telling the truth. As I said above, we have to be mindful of God's promises in the written Word.
I remember years ago, I was a construction contractor. I was getting weary and tired. I was losing hope and faith in what I was doing. I am not saying I was about to give up because I was not. I just needed that extra spiritual oomph (energy). I knew I needed to press into God more so in my life. I picked up a “God’s Promise” book at my church. I started chewing on the scriptures in it. I started to stand on them and realized that all the promises were mine. As I did that, I got the spiritual oomph I needed. It transformed my life, and I can say that, over 25 years later today, it is still paying off.
We need to find ourselves trusting in God and believing what is written in the Word of God. Stop overlooking certain promises and saying they are not for me. They are only for so and so. When we learn to truly and fully trust in the Lord, He will strengthen us to the point that we can soar high, run like never before, and not even faint. There will be that power behind us, pushing us along the way!
The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
Nehemiah 8:10b (NLT) — 10 for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
One thing I teach regularly is that in order to follow God’s plan and purpose for your life, you must follow peace and joy. Colossians says, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” We must allow peace to be our guidepost in life, along with joy.
Joy is not something you can muster up on your own, and don’t get joy mixed up with happiness. Happiness is based on your circumstances. You eat a piece of good cake, you are happy. Your dog bites you in the leg, and you are unhappy. Joy is something from God. It is something that is given to you through the Holy Spirit.
We can, sort of speak, put a muzzle on the joy inside of us. The Bible says it is a fruit of the Spirit. Either you can partake of the fruit or not. It is your choice. But when you learn to follow joy, meaning chase after it and allow the flow of joy to be a deciding factor in your life, you will have more of it operating in your life!
In saying all that, Nehemiah 8:10 says that joy is your strength. I like to believe that because I follow joy, expect it to flow in my life, and guard it, I have supernatural strength in my life.
The word strength means mountain stronghold, a place of refuge. WOW! That is so powerful on so many levels. Think of the life’s storms you have faced and will face. If you learn to walk in joy, you will be in a mountainous stronghold and a place of refuge. It doesn’t matter what the enemy throws your way. You can’t be shaken.
Dealing with Opposition
Opposition and struggles will definitely come, sometimes even from friends and family who don't understand your commitment to following Jesus. The devil will "prowl around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). But guess what? The Bible says he's toothless when it comes to believers!
We have to be alert and wise to the devil's schemes but not consumed by thoughts of him. The key is submitting to God, resisting the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7). Don't give him any foothold or opportunities to distract you.
You have to live a life continuously in God, not only when tough times come, but a lifestyle of doing so. I myself chase God no matter whether it is during good or bad times. He is not my insurance policy. I don’t say this to make anyone feel bad or brag about myself. I am trying to encourage those who are reading this. You can do it. You can prioritize God first in your life. I promise you, as you do, you will see opposition as a speed bump in the road instead of a wall that you crash into.
As you learn to deal with opposition through God, you will find the constant flow of His strength in your life, because you will begin to see, it’s not about you, it’s about Him working in your life.
Staying on Track by Staying Focused
When we stay focused on Christ, we are not allowing other things to distract us and take our eyes off the target. Focus is a form of strength. It is an indication of our determination. For example, in my life right now, I want to take my website, LifeisJesusChrist.com, to a certain level. It is a great demand in my life right now. It would be easy to quit and walk away, but I can’t. The reason is because I have set my mind to be so focused. There is a no quitting sense inside of me. I see the race before me, and I am running. I know right now, it’s only a season in my life, but in the future, I will be able to eat the fruit of it.
So how do we stay on track and keep running with endurance? Here are a few tips:
Strengthen me according to your word: Psalm 119:28 Renew your mind daily by reading God's Word and praying. This keeps your focus on Jesus.
Stay in the refuge of God - He is our refuge and strength: Psalm 46:1–3
When times of trouble, run to Him: Proverbs 8:10
Be careful what you allow into your mind through media, conversations, etc. Guard your heart and mind.
Surround yourself with Christian friends and mentors who can encourage you in your faith journey. Unhealthy relationships can easily pull you off course.
Realize where God has "graced" you to run your specific race, and don't compare it to others. What He's called you to may look very different.
Persistently fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will give you the strength to endure.
Tying it All Together
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are not meant to run the race of life in our own strength. The Word of God makes it clear that Jesus is our source of divine power and strength for life's challenges and callings. When we are weak, He is strong in us. His grace empowers us to accomplish more than we ever could on our own.
The key is learning to fully rely on Christ's strength instead of our own. This comes through cultivating intimacy with Him through prayer, meditating on Scripture, choosing joy, and aligning our lives with His purposes. As we abide in Him, He renews our strength like eagles' wings, enabling us to soar over obstacles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting.
No matter what trials, hardships, or opposition we may face, we can take heart knowing Christ has overcome the world. His victorious right hand will uphold us as we trust Him. So let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, drawing upon His infinite grace to empower us to run life's race with persevering endurance. In our weakness, we will experience the boundless strength that comes from Christ alone.
Scriptures on Strength from the Lord
Psalm 73:26
Eph 3:17-21
Hebrews 4:16
Romans 15:5-6
Isaiah 40:29
Psalm 22:19
Mark 12:29-31
Deuteronomy 31:6 2
Thessalonians 3:16
Psalm 46:1-3
Philippians 4:12-13
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean, the Lord is my refuge?
The Lord being my refuge means finding safety, protection, and comfort in Him alone. Just as a physical refuge provides shelter from danger, fear, and harm, the Lord offers us spiritual refuge from the troubles of this world. Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This verse reminds us that when we feel overwhelmed or threatened, we can turn to the Lord for strength and protection.
In a world filled with uncertainties and trials, having the Lord as our refuge gives us a sense of peace and security that surpasses all understanding. Proverbs 18:10 affirms this by saying, "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Just as a fortress provides safety from enemies, the Lord shields us from spiritual attacks and adversities when we seek Him with all our hearts.
Trusting in the Lord as our refuge requires faith and surrender. Through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking His presence daily, we can experience the fullness of His protection and provision. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." When we place our trust in the Lord and make Him our dwelling place, we can rest assured that He will cover us with His wings and shield us from every storm that comes our way.
Ultimately, declaring that the Lord is my refuge means acknowledging His sovereignty and control over every aspect of our lives. Just as a fortress surrounds and defends its inhabitants, the Lord surrounds us with His love, grace, and mercy. When we abide in Him and make Him our hiding place, we can find true refuge and security in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties.
How is Jesus Christ my living hope?
Jesus Christ is my living hope because His love and grace are everlasting. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of hope and redemption for all humanity. As Hebrews 6:19 states, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." This hope in Jesus Christ gives me the strength and courage to face any challenge that comes my way.
In a world full of uncertainty and chaos, Jesus Christ is constant and consistent hope in our lives. His promises in the Bible, such as in John 14:27, where He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you," remind me that He is always with me, guiding me through life's ups and downs. This assurance of His presence is my ultimate source of comfort and hope.
When I feel lost or overwhelmed, I turn to Jesus Christ as my living hope. His words in Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me," remind me that I can find rest and peace in Him. This promise of rest and renewal in Jesus Christ is what sustains me through the darkest times.
I cling to Jesus Christ as my living hope because He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). In Him, I find purpose, meaning, and eternal salvation. His love for me is unchanging and unwavering, and it is my deepest desire to live in accordance with His will. Jesus Christ truly is my living hope, now and forevermore.
Can you explain "Trust in the Lord with all Your Heart"?
The Bible offers us great comfort and wisdom in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
To trust in the Lord with all our heart means placing our complete confidence and faith in God, not relying solely on our own limited human understanding. It's about surrendering our lives fully to His loving guidance and perfect will for us. When we do this, God promises to direct our steps and lead us on the right path.
This trust is not blind but grounded in who God is - our loving Creator, Sustainer, and the sovereign Lord over all things (Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 46:9-10). His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), so trusting in His infinite wisdom over our finite minds leads to blessing (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
As we navigate life's challenges, may we let go of anxious control and worries and choose to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. He alone is worthy of our full confidence and faith, for His love endures forever (Psalm 136).
Shawn Paul is an author and missionary who has been living and working in Central America for the past 10 years. He is passionate about living for Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same, which is the focus of his blog, where he shares his expertise in Christianity.
In addition to his missionary work, Shawn enjoys reading books, studying God's Word, growing plants and flowers, feeding birds, and keeping up with the latest technology.
As a writer, Shawn's unique perspective and passion for his faith shine through in his work. Shawn's goal for the future is to impact people around the world for Jesus through his writing and missionary work.