As El-Shaddai, God Gives Us His Strength

What has you drained right now? Are you running on empty? In life, we often find ourselves facing difficult challenges, trials, and situations that drain us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Leaving us feeling weak and helpless. But in those moments, we can take comfort in knowing that our God is El-Shaddai, He is the All-Sufficient One, who desires to give us His strength. As His children, God desires to help us, all we need to do is call upon Him.

Isaiah 40:28 reminds us of the greatness of our God. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the universe, and His understanding is unfathomable. Unlike us, He never grows weary or faints. In His limitless power, He extends His strength to the weak and multiplies the might of those who have none. Our Heavenly Father is not limited by our human limitations but empowers us to rise above them. To soar on the wings of eagles is to be above the storm and to see it from God’s perspective.

Philippians 4:13 declares a powerful truth that resonates with every believer: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I love this verse. Paul is saying here that regardless of your life situation, you can face it head-on because Jesus gives you the strength to keep moving forward. As children of God, we are not left to rely on our own strength or capabilities. Instead, we have access to the unlimited strength of Christ, which enables us to overcome any obstacle, fulfill our purpose, and live victoriously. Through Him, our weaknesses become opportunities for His strength to shine through.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, the Apostle Paul shares his experience of relying on God’s strength in the midst of his weaknesses. He learned that God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength is perfected in our weakness. Paul embraced his limitations, finding joy in his infirmities, knowing that it was through his weaknesses that Christ’s power could be displayed. It is in our moments of vulnerability and dependence on God that His strength is most evident.

Psalm 91:1 paints a beautiful picture of our relationship with El-Shaddai. It speaks of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. This secret place is a place of intimacy, refuge, and strength. When we seek closeness with God, spending time in His presence, we find solace and renewal. In His shelter, we are covered by His strength, protected from the storms of life.

Today, let us embrace the truth that as El-Shaddai, God gives us His strength. We don’t have to face life’s challenges alone or rely on our limited resources. Instead, we can draw near to God, dwell in His presence, and tap into His abundant strength. In our weaknesses, let us boast in the power of Christ that rests upon us. As we trust in El-Shaddai, we will experience the truth that when we are weak, then we are truly strong.

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28–31 (NKJV)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9–11 (NKJV)

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

Let this be your Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being my El-Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One, who gives me Your strength. In times of weakness, help me to remember that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. May I find joy in relying on Your grace and power. As I dwell in Your presence, may Your strength overshadow me, enabling me to overcome every obstacle and fulfill the purpose you have planned for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Questions to Ponder

1. Reflecting on Isaiah 40:28–31, how does the understanding that God gives power to the weak and increases strength to those who have none impact your perspective on your own weaknesses and limitations?
2. How does the assurance of Philippians 4:13, that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, inspire you to approach challenges and difficulties in your life?
3. In 2 Corinthians 12:9–11, Paul acknowledges that when he is weak, then he is strong because of God’s grace and strength. How can this truth transform the way you view and approach your own weaknesses and struggles?
4. Psalm 91:1 speaks of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. What does this imagery mean to you, and how does it affect your relationship with God and your reliance on His strength?
5. Share a time when you felt weak or inadequate in a particular situation, but you experienced God’s strength working in and through you. How did that experience deepen your faith and trust in Him?
6. In what ways can we actively wait on the Lord, as mentioned in Isaiah 40:31, to renew our strength? How does waiting on God differ from relying solely on our own efforts and abilities?
7. How can we distinguish between relying on God’s strength and seeking to be self-sufficient? What are some practical steps we can take to continually rely on His strength in our daily lives?
8. Consider the statement, “God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.” How does this concept challenge society’s view of strength and success? How can we embrace this truth in a world that often values self-sufficiency and personal achievements?
9. Share a personal testimony of a time when you witnessed God’s strength working in your weakness, bringing about a positive outcome or transformation in your life. How did that experience impact your faith journey?
10. How can we encourage and support one another in times of weakness and vulnerability? How can we remind each other of God’s strength and His faithfulness to provide when we feel inadequate?
11. Take a moment to reflect on an area of your life where you currently feel weak or insufficient. How can you invite God’s strength into that situation? What steps can you take to surrender your weaknesses to Him and rely on His power?
12. How can the truth of God’s strength being available to us impact our attitude towards challenges, difficulties, and fears? How can we cultivate a mindset that consistently relies on His strength rather than being overwhelmed by our own limitations?