He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. Psalm 18:33 (AMP)

Need Strength – Armed With Strength Series – Part 4

Go to PART 1  |  PART 2  |  PART 3  |  PART 4  |  PART 5

There was an old hymn that we sang in church when I was younger:

“Bless-ed be the Lord my rock
Who trains my hands for war
And my fingers for battle.“

It even had actions that the faithful were sure to perform.

I used to think that the war the Divine was “training my hands for” and the battle that my “fingers” were preparing for would be against an evil that perhaps was at work within others, but definitely beyond and outside of myself. Does that make sense? I was a good Christian Soldier preparing for whatever battle God would lead me into.

However, up to this day, the only battles and wars I have fought and even come close to ‘winning' are ones within myself. Every time I've taken the “battle” to others, shaking my fists at my fellow humans, there has never really been a winner – we both come away broken and bloody in one way or another. And shaking my fists at the devil? I’m not sure what that accomplishes… more on that in a minute.

I’ve started asking myself: What do you need strength for, Elizabeth? (when I get really serious, only my full name will do…).

What DO you need strength FOR?

Do we need strength to overcome and overpower others? Those who don’t believe the same things, live the same way, practice the same rituals, vote for the same people, value the same things, as us? Me? You?

Beating people only produces one thing: beaten people.

It’s been relatively easy to fight people over beliefs, ideas, and lifestyles. It’s been easier, and dare I say somewhat thrilling, to try and beat someone at the game of “who’s right and who’s wrong.” I’ve sometimes relished raising my voice, saying my piece, making snide remarks, focusing my anger, crafting a vengeful post on social media and sarcastic smack downs on Twitter.

I haven’t really needed a lot of strength for these things, they’ve come about quite naturally…

What have I really needed strength for?

Forgiving those who’ve hurt me.
Overcoming my insecurities.
Giving up my vices.
Asking for forgiveness from those I’ve wronged.
Vulnerability, humility, and authenticity.
To admit that I don’t know everything and that I am, and will always be, uncertain.
To learn new things (which is to admit the need for learning).
To have faith in the midst of fear.
To have courage while surrounded by my own mistakes.
To accept grace.
To fight the evil at work within my own heart.
And so, so, so much more…

Yelling at the devil in prayer has only ever left me red faced and breathless.

Of recent years, I have found that the more efficient way of defeating evil around about me is through love. Defying hatred, greed, self-idolatry, the need to be right, the temptation to dominate, the haste to speak and the reluctance to listen… these are the battles that rage deep within me. Fighting and winning these battles have made more of a difference in my life, and others, than cursing the devil ever has. Perhaps this is the best way to curse evil… living in the fulness of LOVE.

These are the wars the Divine is training me for. And it's “on the job training.”

I’m learning to embrace the seasons of hardship not as challenges, or people, or emotions to beat down and overcome; but as opportunities and moments for my heart, spirit and body to be trained in the never ending battle to let love win.

Zechariah once said, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts…” (4:6).

For me, the real test of strength is to lay aside might and power and follow the spirit… She will always lead you to love.

And love is the ultimate strength.

Share with us your thoughts on real strength! Leave us a comment below.

Go to Part 5 – Trial by Fire »

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