Devotional Thought : Acts 9:31

Then the church throughout...enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:31

There are many places in Scripture where we read about God strengthening his people. For example: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16). Or where someone is sent to strengthen the church, for example: "We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith" (1 Thessalonians 3:2).

God has made available all the resources we need to live the Christian life and these resources aren’t just enough, they are more than enough. They come from his "glorious riches" and he doesn't ration them out sparingly but abundantly. Yet we do not always avail ourselves of them. We think God is too busy or disinterested or perhaps we like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient. Sometimes we are not prepared to humble ourselves in order to receive.

Recently I was listening to, You are my Passion by Jesus Culture and I was impressed by the line: "My strength in life is I am Yours." Since God is our Father who cares for us we can rely on him to strengthen us. God does this through His Spirit who lives in us and strengthens us with his power in our inner being.

Another thing I like about this verse is the "time of peace". God does not want us constantly under pressure and facing difficulties. Rather there are seasons of pruning, seasons of growing, seasons of reaping and seasons of letting the ground lay fallow where there is rest.

Praise God for seasons of peace where we can be strengthened and encouraged.