Gain New Strength

As we approach the prayer and fasting time next weekend we are to come with the attitude of joining Jesus in His prayer meeting with the Father, in Gethsemane. It is here that we not only join Jesus’ resolve in dedicating ourselves to do the Father’s will, we also find the strengthening from God that we need to do His will. Jesus particularly asked His disciples to join Him in this prayer meeting because He wanted them to learn how they too needed to be sustained, not by the good intentions of their own efforts, but by the strength which God supplies. (1Pet 4:11)

The Apostle Paul’s testimony is to be the testimony that we are all to have. He said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through (in) Him who strengthens me.” We emphasise here that the ‘all things’ Paul is talking about is not just anything we want to do but is the ‘all things’ concerning the will of God for our lives. And doing the will of God for our lives should be our total pre-occupation.

In Gethsemane, Jesus completely laid down any capacity in Himself to do the Father’s will by the means of His own strength. This was a place of great weakness. Let us though not fear weakness for it is at this point, as we join ourselves to Christ’s sufferings, that we too can be strengthened, as Christ was. At Paul’s point of weakness, in regard to the thorn in the flesh issue, Jesus said to him; “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2Cor 12:9) I believe during our time of prayer and fasting the words of the prophet Isaiah will be significant. The prophet begins his message in chapter 40:1 by saying, “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.” He then concludes the chapter by saying, “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” (Is 40:29-31)

The Lord wants to comfort everyone who is doing the Father’s will with new strength at this time. This is a strength you have not known before. It is new strength that is applicable for this season. Praise God!