Building Spiritual Strength

How strong are you feeling? Are you sturdy in purpose, and calm in faithful service? You might be able to put a tape measure around your biceps, but how do you measure your spiritual strength?
Our bodies can only build up the strength of physical muscles by a cycle of damage (stretching and minute tearing) followed by rest and repair. Without damage, our muscles cannot gain strength. Could the same be true for our “spiritual muscles”?
The key steps to building both muscle and spiritual strength are:

Recognise the area of damage to rebuild
Rally your helpful repair team
Rest, repair and recover
Repeat it all over again!

Recognition – we need to look at ourselves with honest hearts, and recognise where we are, in comparison to where God wants us to be. This involves courage, as well as honesty. It means letting go of our own voices, that have a convincing story or excuse for where we find ourselves. Instead, we need to listen to God. Where do we need to ask for God’s help?
Rally the repair troup – We need to pray. We need to confess the sin of not listening to God. We need to surrender our need for control and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
We also need to seek community and fellowship with like-minded Christians, Our friends in Christ can encourage us with shared experiences, and uplift us with shared hope. By holding group discussions about Scripture, we can also grow in our understanding and faith.
Rest and Recover – when you come to know and trust that Christ is always there with you, your constant companion and counsellor, then you will find true peace. No matter what troubles are coming your way, you can find rest in the love of the Lord. And there is a deep relief to be found in handing the reins over, and saying to God – I trust you, show me the way.
Repeat as above! – God loves You right now as your imperfect self. Keep on learning and trusting and growing in His presence. Persevere in sharing His love with others by the example of a strong, Christian, spiritual life.
These four steps allow Christ within us to lead us on His chosen path.
All new habits take practise. The spiritual discipline of being a follower of Christ is no different. We grow as Christ’s disciples only when we are out in the world, exercising our spiritual muscles to strengthen them, being a living witness to the power of God to change lives for the better
By obeying God’s Will and by using the unique gifts that each of us have been given by God, we can use the lessons we learn to make a difference in this world.

Let us all pray for the ability to surrender to Christ and follow the will of the Holy Spirit, wherever it may take us in life.

AMEN