Strength for the Journey
Central Thought: God strengthens His children throughout the journey of life.
Text: Exodus 33:12-14; Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 84:57-5-7
For nearly forty years, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. He was known as a man chosen and used by God. When he died, Deuteronomy 34:1-5, the mantle of leadership was then entrusted to Joshua the son of Nun, a man full of the Spirit of wisdom and also a servant (minister) of Moses, Joshua 1:1-2. This indeed was a gigantic task to lead the Israelites successfully to the Promised Land. God spoke to him reassuring of His divine presence and strength. Joshua must be strong and courageous; he must meditate on the Word of God always.
When Jacob too met with the Lord in a spectacular way in Peniel, it was not a touch of perfection; rather it was the beginning of a new and transforming experience of God. When God gives us a vision fulfilling it is not a question of human will or effort, “for by strength shall no man prevail”, 1 Samuel 2:9. A child of God or a believer is on a journey to their promised land, heaven. The journey will require courage to stand against all unrighteousness, strength to withstand the powers of darkness. He or she will also require the Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit from time to time. Just as God assured Joshua, we have the promises of God and Christ to see us safely to our journey’s end and to possess our due inheritance.
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What do you understand by the expression: “Strength for the journey”? 1 Kings 19:5-8
The phrase ‘strength for the journey’ means power from God to live victoriously as a child of God. In the above passage, Elijah needed strength to stand against the threat or opposition from the enemy; this was given by God with assurance. Christians today should seek strength from God and His word; as by studying and meditation on the word of God we will know the direction for victory.
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What is the source of this strength and how can we receive and sustain it? Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13; John 15:7; Luke 18:1; Hebrews 10:25; Romans 8:1
The journey we are talking about is not one initiated by the individual (Christians), it is of God. The source of strength is by the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are born again, He gives us power to become the sons of God. The sustenance is by the following:
-Abiding in Christ because He is the vine and we are the branches.
-The place of prayers is vital; for the Word of God enjoins us to pray always. Prayer strengthens the believer.
-Walking in the Spirit and maintaining fellowship with God and fellow believers, coupled with living right with God’s Word.
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What motivates the man that has received a vision from God? Acts 26:19; Isaiah 6:8; Psalm 42:1; Exodus 33:12-14
Having received strength, the propelling drive is there to run along the path of the journey that has been mapped out and not until you get to the destination, one will not quit or stop but remain focused. This is why though in bonds, Paul answered king Agripa and declared that he has not been disobedient unto the heavenly vision, Acts 16:19.
The vision itself always scrolls as a springboard. The willingness to obey is another factor coupled with a passion and hunger for God. This was the case of Moses as he was interceding for the children of Israel. He pleaded with God to show him the way He (God) intended to help him lead Israel into Canaan, since God is the master planner of the vision. And the last motivating factor is the will to fulfill God’s will, e.g. submissiveness. One must realize that as a servant of God, you cannot live like everybody else does, but must sanctify yourself from even some things that are legitimate which brings divine endorsement and trust. This makes it easy to fulfill God’s will.
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How can we be led by the Holy Spirit?
The believer has to sustain the life in the Spirit, to be led by the Holy Spirit. It requires submitting to the Spirit’s control at all times.
In being yielded to the Holy Spirit, one must ensure that one’s character and life are not marred by sin. The believer offers his body continually as a temple in which the Spirit of God is comfortable to dwell in, 1 Corinthians 6:16-20. In other words, because of the comfort offered the Spirit of God in the temple of the believer, He does not leave the believer. In that way, such a believer is always being led by the Spirit in his thoughts, deeds and way of life, like choice of a career, choosing of a life partner, appearance, etc.
Other ways of being led by the Holy Spirit are when He speaks to us through the Word of God, conscience (inner witness), counsel from matured brethren and circumstances. We must try to obey irrespective of the cost on us.
For us to be led continuously by the Holy Spirit, we must maintain a continuous relationship by separating ourselves from sin and shunning every appearance of evil, have constant study of the Word or God and applying the same where appropriate. We must give ourselves to prayer and fellowship. We must also neither quench nor tempt the Holy Spirit and avoid despising Godly prophecies.
Daily Living Application:
In the program for the redemptive man, God intends that every believer in Christ should be conformed to the image of Christ. This Christ-like disposition is not attainable by the will of the flesh or superior educational status but when the indwelling Spirit is given full control by total surrender, this beautiful Christ-like life can be lived by us, Galatians 2:20.
The journey of fulfilling God’s will for us here on earth is great; hence, the strength from God is needed. However, there is the good news, that He has made the provision. “For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call”, Acts 2:39
Memory Verse:
Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”