The Fine Art of Being a Christian and a Strong Person

My friends and I have discussed the difficulties of being a strong woman. We take charge, trying to do it all and asking for help as a last resort.

That determination serves us well to a point. We are dependable and self-motivated and maybe not as likely to just “follow the crowd.”

However if we’re not careful, that same drive can lead to us being undone, physically and emotionally, and in some cases, spiritually.

For a person of strong character, submission can be difficult. But it’s necessary on many levels for a Christian.

We acknowledge One as greater. Accept that life is lost to us if not for Jesus Christ. Allow Him to make us presentable to the Father. 

Strong Person Folly

Wow, that’s a lot to swallow for a strong person! We like to take care of ourselves, to solve our own problems, to have the answers, to clean up our own act. 

Yet, that often backfires.

Read the account of what happened when Sarah (previously Sarai) attempted to take care of her and Abraham’s (previously Abram) problem of having no heir (Genesis 15-21). 

Discover the fiasco created when Rebekah tried to manage God’s promise that her older son, Esau, would serve her younger, Jacob (Genesis 25-27).

We would do well to learn from the lives of these biblical forefathers/foremothers. Going it alone, in our own power is a recipe for trouble. 

A truly strong person, one who is strong in wisdom as well as in will, realizes her limitations.

A truly strong person, who is strong in wisdom as well as in will, realizes her limitations. Click To Tweet

Look around. Seeing the chaos our world is in, a strong, wise person would surmise that we aren’t very good at taking care of ourselves. We cannot solely depend on the strength we have from our human lineage, human determination, or human capability.

At some point, it will fail us. 

Born of God Strength

But when we are born of God, when we receive Him, we receive a supernatural strength. One that extends beyond our understanding. A strength that allows us to handle loads far beyond our human capacity because, really, it’s God carrying the load for us. 

And that “born of God” strength, that’s the kind that never fails because God’s grace never runs out.

So you, my strong friend, surrender your strength (all of it please) and receive God’s. Let it go. Ask Him to take control of all areas of your life.

It’s not easy for anyone, especially for those of us of strong character, but it is an amazing exchange. Actually, it’s the best deal you’ll ever find.

Do it today.

Walk in the strength (and wisdom) of one born of God. It’s really as simple as acknowledging your need for God.

Walk in the strength (and wisdom) of one born of God. It's really as simple as acknowledging your need for God. Click To Tweet

Because you were never created to do it alone. 

“He was in the world,
and the world was created through Him,
yet the world did not recognize Him.
He came to His own,
and His own people did not receive Him.
But to all who did receive Him,
He gave them the right to be children of God,
to those who believe in His name,
who were born,
not of blood,
or of the will of the flesh,
or of the will of man,
but of God.” John 1:10-13

Reflections: In what area(s) do you struggle to surrender to God? Is it doing it all? Is it going it alone? Is it following your plan, not His? 

I’m thrilled to link up with Holley Gerth for Coffee for Your Heart on Wednesday and Suzie Eller for #livefree Thursday and this week’s prompt, leave it behind. Love these special linkups. They provide an abundance of great inspiration and encouragement all in one place. Click on the images to check them out.  

By His grace ≈

Julie