Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

Are you focusing on our omnipotent God or your own finite power?We all encounter overwhelming situations where the opposition is unrelenting. It’s easy to feel intimidated. Solomon likely felt this after his father, David, passed. David was a remarkable leader, and now Solomon faced a daunting role without his father’s warrior prowess. He could have retreated, thinking, “This is too much; I can’t lead these people.” Scripture reassures us in 2 Chronicles 1:1 that “Solomon took firm control of the kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful.”

We often see ourselves as limited; our challenges should have defeated us. Trauma and loss should have brought us down. Setbacks could have soured our lives, yet we remain strong. This resilience isn’t only ours; God strengthens us in weakness. He lifts us when we stumble and protects us in tough times. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. This power conquered death, enabled a shepherd boy to defeat a giant, opened prison doors for Paul and Silas, protected three Hebrews in a fiery furnace, and parted the Red Sea for Moses. You are not ordinary; you are powerful.

Even the enemy sees your strength; you are not weak or average. God equips you for every battle and surrounds you with favor. Goodness and mercy follow you. When the enemy attacks, God will defeat them, causing them to flee in seven directions. He promises victory to the upright.

When David saw Goliath, he boldly proclaimed (1 Samuel 17:45), “You come with sword and shield, but I come in the name of the Lord God of Israel.” David asserted, “I may seem small, but I am not alone. There is a powerful force you cannot see.” David declared (1 Samuel 17:46), “Goliath, today I will defeat you and feed your head to the birds.”

Deborah was a judge, prophet, and military leader—the only woman to be both a judge and a prophet. She lived in Scripture during a violent time when travel was dangerous, and God inspired her to take action. As a mother in Israel, she had no resources, title, or education, reflecting women’s marginalized status. God chose her to address the issues rather than appointing a king or wealthy leader.

I have a close friend who reminds me a lot of Deborah. She has an undeniable calling to ministry, and watching her grow in her relationship with the Lord has been truly inspiring. I remember when I answered the call to chaplaincy, facing many of the challenges she is now trying to navigate: the required classes, the time and financial commitments, and balancing all of that as a spouse and parent.

At times, God may call you to pursue dreams that feel beyond reach. You may sense a lack of resources or training, but remember, God wouldn’t request this if you weren’t equipped. The Lord your God strengthens and appoints you to accomplish any mission He entrusts to you.

Judges 5:7 says, “The highways were unoccupied until Deborah arose.” She acted in faith, leading to change. She recognized God’s favor and her power. How might this perspective change you? What could you overcome? What barriers could you break? What dreams could you achieve by embracing God’s power?

I read a story about a 10-year-old boy living near a bully who made his life miserable. He wanted to confront the bully but felt intimidated. One Christmas, his father gifted him a telescope. When the boy looked through it incorrectly, his father said, “You’re doing it backward. Turn it around to see everything larger.” The boy replied, “I know, Dad, but seeing the bully this way makes him seem small, so I’m not afraid anymore.” Change your perspective. You’ve focused too long on problems—bullies, addictions, or debt. Keep your telescope on the positive. Don’t dwell on negativity; recognize the power God has given you. No weapon formed against you will prosper.

Gideon hid in a wine press, feeling intimidated by the opposition. Then God sent an angel saying, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you. You will deliver Israel from the Midianites.” God called him a hero despite his self-doubt. God’s power is in you, so shift your perspective and recognize His strength in you.

Despite being called a hero, Gideon made excuses due to his poor background. This mentality nearly hindered his destiny. When he went to lead 32,000 men into battle, God said he had too many and 22,000 left. Gideon’s confidence waned, but God insisted all but 300 should leave. Facing thousands seemed impossible, yet they defeated the Midianites with just 300 men.

God shows us we don’t need everything we think we do. God provides everything we need and breathes His favor into our lives. He guides us to strike at life’s giants, heals us from illness, and brings the right people into our lives. We often underestimate our potential, viewing ourselves as ordinary, yet we are powerful. God loves to uplift the underestimated, helping them shine and become powerful.

Stop believing you are limited or not enough. Recognize your strength; the Lord has made you powerful. You can create change, defeat giants, achieve your dreams, and leave your mark. You are a child of the Most High God and are powerful. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!