Sometimes You Just Have To Take Action
Somebody had to do something, fast, if the people of Nabals household were going to survive.
Tellingly, a panicked servant went straight to Abigail, who was described as an intelligent and beautiful woman. She acted quickly and ordered that extravagant gifts be presented before David and about 400 of his men. Abigail in the Bible put her life at risk and threw herself prostrate before him, reminding David of his role as the anointed king and asking for mercy.
It worked. He recognized his pride and relented, thanking her for keeping him from bloodshed and vengeance.
Meanwhile, Nabal knew nothing of this. He was getting drunk while hoarding all of his resources. When Abigail told him what had happened the next day, he appeared to have a heart attack and died soon thereafter.
Okay, I have so many questions about this story. Abigail essentially threw her husband under the proverbial bus, going behind his back and over his head. Her actions shocked him so much that he died. Not exactly the model of submission here.
What are we to make of this? Was she wrong? Was she right? How much should we imitate her?
We can debate about biblical wifehood all the livelong day, but neither the author nor God makes a comment about whether Abigail in the Bible was 100% in the right by her methods.
There may be times in your own trials when its best to wait.
Do something, and watch God do his part.
Through Him Who Gives Me Strength: Philippians : 1113
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 is a rather well-known verse, but you really need the context to really see it for the profound inspiration that it is. Paul had endured so much in his ministry: persecution, shipwrecks, betrayal. Throughout this time, he learned the secret of contentment. He wasnt only content when he had what he needed. He learned to be fulfilled even when he was hungry and in desperate need.
Through his obedience, Paul had learned that it was Christ who gave him strength. And that strength brought him contentment in all sorts of trials.
What Does The Scriptures Say About Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.It is worth pointing to the fact that the power of Christ in us is perfected in our weakness. This makeup for another great paradox in the Kingdom of God. Today, a good number of Bible Scholars hold it that the weakness Apostle Paul spoke of was a physical affliction of some kind a thorn in the flesh. Behold, we all have these thorns these weaknesses that we cannot escape. In addition to physical ailments, we share a major spiritual dilemma. We are mere humans with inherent weaknesses. Thats the reason why living a Christian life takes more than human strength. It takes the power of God.
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Bible Verses On Strength
For thousands of years, people have drawn inspiration from the Bible. It has restored hope for many during their most trying circumstances, and continues to be a source of encouragement and support today.
When life gets rough, Gods Word lifts us up and gives us stamina and courage to carry on. Here are ten powerful passages that can give you strength when you need it most.
What Does The Bible Say About Weariness
God’s word shows you how to overcome weariness with the help of his lessons and examples. No one knows weariness better than God, who humbly put himself on this earth and on the cross for the sake of humanity. Jesus taught that humility and unconditional love could overcome all things, and you can overcome weariness by taking comfort from inspirational verses in the Bible.
Let God Help You Receive Strength
“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, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Don’t dwell on how tired you feel. Instead, concentrate on ways you can still love and serve God and other people. Maybe it’s time to start a Bible study. You can invite guest speakers from churches in and around Fort Collins to inspire your friends and neighbors at Collinwood.
Be a Disciple Even When You’re Weary
Jesus gave you a mission when he invited his followers to take up the cross for themselves and others. Meditating on this calling brings peace and certainty when your energy is low. Open your heart to receive the immeasurable joy that washes away weariness when you feel overwhelmed by daily challenges.
Tell God All About It
Ask Jesus for Restoration
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” – John 16.24
Your Work Has a Reward
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What The Scriptures Say About Strength
The word strength and its derivatives are mentioned over 360 times in the Holy Scriptures . The word and its derivatives apply to both natural and supernatural strength. In the Greek language, the word katei means might, power, strength. In the Bible, the word strength is mostly linked to Gods power. Youll figure out this as you go through the Bible verses about strength. Christian ought to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. If we are asked for the source of strength, well say that the unlimited power of Christ is the source of strength for all his followers. The strength that we have is not ours but Gods. Thats why no one has the right to boast of strength. Be it natural or supernatural strength, it comes from God and we are able to accomplish anything because of his grace and love. Lets now present the best Bible verses about strength that every Christian ought to know and benefit from the spiritual blessings that come with it.
A Specific Place We Can Find Gods Joy
You may be asking, But how can I access Gods joy in my life?
We have an example from Nehemiah 8. As Nehemiah read the words of the Law, the people wept and mourned because they were not obeying the law. But Ezra comforts them, telling them not to weep because the joy of the Lord is their strength.
Their joy was realized because, even though a knowledge of the truth caused sorrow , it also gave them direction. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Changing their lives and following Gods ways gave them a deeper joy than they could have attained on their own.
Its the same for us when we study and know the truth within the pages of the Bible, we have the joy of the Lord!
Jesus said this as well in John 8:31-32, To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
If you want to learn the truth of what the Bible says on a deeper level, or if you feel like you dont know the bible well, sign up for World Bible Schools free online courses theyre excellent.
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Bible Verses About Encouragement
Here are 10 Bible verses about encouragement to give you strength and hope. These scriptures demonstrate what does the Bible say about encouragement:
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me
- Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
- Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of hem, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
- Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the lord and in the strength of his might.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
- Psalm 31:24
My flesh and hear may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
- Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me he delivered me from all my fears.
- Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble
- Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- John 16:22
You have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
These Bible verses are just a few examples that let us know what does the Bible say about encouragement. The Bible is full of scriptures that provide peace and hope. You can turn to these verses when you need encouragement or when you are trying to encourage and build each other up.
Bible Verses About Having Strength During Hard Times
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A week or so ago I put together a massive post with well over a hundred bible verses about money and talked about how we need to make sure that we always put God first in our lives before money and everything else.
We can easily allow money to become our master, and God can quickly move to the background if were not careful.
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.Matthew 6:24
One thing that occurred to me in the midst of listing all those verses, however, is that I never really touched on a topic that seems to be especially important right now in the midst of a double dip recession when so many people are having a hard time. The idea of looking to God for strength in the midst of hard times.
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We Can Trust In Gods Strength
Each one of us will face a myriad of trials and difficulties, but through them all God will be faithful. If we wait on him and trust in him, he will be there to protect, guide, lead, and renew us. But it requires that we put our hope in Christs sacrifice and the power of the resurrection. As Paul reminds the Galatians:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Use the NIV verse finder to find what the Bible says about other subjects of interest.
What Does The Bible Say About Advocacy
The Bible clearly calls Christians to advocate for those in need.
If secular advocacy is calling on government officials to pay attention to whats important to you, biblical advocacy is reminding them to do what God has called them to do since 88% of Congress publicly claims faith in Christ.
The Bible is filled with many verses in which God specifically asks us to speak on behalf of those in need.
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What Abigail In The Bible Can Teach Us About Strength
Written by Gina
Have you ever looked at your life during a period of hardship and wonder how in the world things ended up that way?
Maybe it wasnt your fault. You were faithful and checked all of the items on your to-do list. And yet, there you stood, your hopes dashed, with little hope and no exit strategy.
Thats the story of being human sometimes, and thats what makes great women of the Bibles stories so relevant. Theyre real. Theyre painful. Theyre unabashedly ugly, without sugar coating.
Below Are 51 Bible Verses Offering Reassurance For All Of Us When We Call Upon The Strength Of God
Psalm 34:4I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Matthew 10:28And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 20:4For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.
Isaiah 41:10Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
1 Corinthians 10:13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Matthew 11:28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Isaiah 40:31But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings like eagles they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint.
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Scripture On Strength In Difficult Times
- Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
- Psalm 119:28 My soul is weary with sorrow strengthen me according to your word.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christs power may rest on me. That is why, for Christs sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
When you’re feeling tired and overwhelmed, where do you turn for strength? At only 10 years old, Mawulom is no stranger to hardship. His father, left blind due to an accident at his work, was unable to support the family financially. It was shortly after when his mother, Ami, became gravely ill. Unable to afford the expensive treatment necessary, the family opted for herbal remedies instead. The outlook was bleak.
“I was afraid my mother would die,” says Mawulom
Bienvenue, Mawulom’s elder sister says, “Without the help of the project, my mother would have died. We were left alone, nobody else could care for us. They have saved my mother.”
Trust The Bigger Story
Abigails situation drastically turned overnight. Soon after her wicked husbands death, David married her.
But perhaps the more astounding outcome is the role Abigail had on Davids life. As Israels anointed king , he played a pivotal role in the biblical narrative. What if he had given in to his rage? Would he have made restitution and turned his back toward God? Or would God have eventually replaced him with someone else, just as he had done with Saul?
Its speculative, of course. But the story of Abigail is in the Bible for a reason. Perhaps its because God wants us to see how her story was an important part of his.
Its worth noting that even after she married David, Abigail in the Bible still didnt live a personal happily ever after. At one point she was kidnapped along with the rest of Davids mens families.
She did eventually bear him a son, but he was not chosen as the heir to the throne. Whats more, she was just one of several wives, which Im sure doesnt lead to the happiest of marriages.
Perhaps she watched with sorrow as one of Davids sons tried to usurp the throne and the royal family tore itself apart.
The Bible isnt a collection of fairy tales when it comes to individual stories. But it does have a happily ever after in the larger storyGods grand plan to rescue his entire creation through his messy, sinful people, who are only made faultless through Christ. It is in THIS story that we can put our trust.
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