Strengthened By The Hands Of God

Strengthened By The Hands Of God   

Mental health institutions throughout the world have reported a noticeable increase in the number of patients suffering from chronic depression and all forms of mental disorders. When a man carries burdens in his soul beyond what he can bear, the mind will have to give way under the crushing weight of those burdens. It is never the desire of God to see mankind breaking under the crushing weight of anxiety and cares. The wonderful loving words of Jesus echoes throughout the ages.

Genesis 49:23-24 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him: But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

The life of Joseph, a son of Jacob, was one of the most inspiring accounts in the Bible. Although Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt and lived at ease and luxury, Jacob reminded Joseph of the troubles and the evil circumstances that he had overcome with help from God.

Jacob was reminding Joseph never to forget the great goodness and faithfulness that God had demonstrated. He likened Joseph's former evil circumstances as archers who shot fiery arrows of evil accusations and mischief against him. Those skillful mischief- makers who were motivated by the devil to destroy Joseph did not prevail against him. Master schemers and great evil doers came against Joseph. Poisonous darts were shot at Joseph.

They did cause grief and pain to Joseph. But Joseph did not give up on God. Instead of bowing down to the circumstances, Joseph presses on.

Beloved, don't bow down to the circumstances. We only bow down to Jesus Christ. When we submit ourselves to the Lordship and authority of Jesus Christ, we will never need to bow down to any circumstance for God 'hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.-( Ephesians 2:6)'

What does a Christian gain if he gives up on God? What will a Christian lose if he presses on in the things of God?

God strengthened Joseph above the grief of the circumstances. His faithfulness towards us is new every morning (Lam 3:23). Let us not forget that the first thing that greets us every morning is the wonderful blessed faithfulness of God. If God is faithful to you, what is there to fear? What is there to worry about? Everything can be resolved for the Faithful One will surely help you.

Genesis 49:24 But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel. (Amplified)

The faith of Joseph did not weaken under those cruel circumstances. He came off as a conqueror. His hands were made strong by the hands of God. God's hands were upon the hands of Joseph. Joseph was able to go through those seasons of extreme difficulties in his life victoriously because God is the God who strengthens His people. God's strength will not fail us.

Hell and circumstances may shoot its fiery darts at the saints of God but He protects, strengthens us and He will crown us with victories. Truly,

Psalms 121:4-8 Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. (NKJ)

All our strength to overcome and conquer comes from God. His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfected in our weakness.

May you choose to walk after His Strength and not after your weakness. May you choose to be strengthened by Him always and not to be weakened by circumstances. May you increase from strength to strength and faith to faith. I call you blessed of the Most High God!

Pastor John Shepherd Lim
Living Faith Church, Singapore