Walk in Love or Sink in Mud
I recently found myself trudging down an unfamiliar jogging path. The further I ventured down the path, the messier the experience became. I continued running on the path uncomfortably before recognizing that I could choose to deviate from the path and my situation could change. I did, and it did. I got out of the mud, but damage to my shoes and clothes had been done. Seriously.
The strongest human tendency is for people to act in accordance with what they believe to be true. When I recognized I could choose to get out of the mud, I did. The Apostle Paul says we can grow path-transforming faith in our hearts. He writes, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power from his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” – Ephesians 3:16-17
One Bible scholar explains that when Christians are strengthened in their inner being, the power of the Gospel is made useful to them. It is made applicable and relevant for all of life. What good is the Gospel if it is not applied?
Who is it who does the inner strengthening?
The Holy Spirit
How does He strengthen?
By convincing you that you are loved, not because you have earned it, but because of God’s amazing grace. From this core belief springs hope, endurance, peace, forgiveness, joy and unbelievable inner strength.
Why does this matter?
Your core beliefs sit in your Spirit. This is the epicenter of your entire life. Paul says your heart strength should be your greatest concern. Spiritual strength can produce prayers of faith that move mountains, change destinies, and transform devastation to hope. Spiritual strength can produce the confidence needed to make life changes that bring restoration and renewal. Nothing compares.
How do we receive this strength?
Through faith. Faith means trust.
If you learn something helpful, and you trust your teacher, you will let it change your belief and what you do. As Christians, we are charged to renew our beliefs to align with this truth: The same Power that raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, helping you understand the enormity of God’s love for you. Unending inner strength is yours…. And if you find yourself on a muddy path today, let him show you a new place to put your feet.
