Session 34
How to fight with God’s strength
From 2 Samuel: A 5-Week Devotional
As Christians, we fight battles on a daily basis. Some are internal, like the fight for personal integrity and purity. Others are on behalf of others, like the fight to raise our children well and to provide for our families.
These battles were meant to be fought using God’s strength and not our own (Zechariah 4:6). Yet, how often do we put our trust in our own abilities and greatness? We think we are able to resist temptation because of our own effort or we take pride in how we have worked hard to provide for our families.
David fell into this trap in 2 Samuel 24:1-9. By numbering the Israelites for military purposes, he took wrongful pride in the strength of his army. He looked to their power to defeat their enemies, instead of trusting God to deliver them.
When we trust in our own ability, we set ourselves up for failure.
When we trust in our own ability and strength, we set ourselves up for failure (Proverbs 16:18). Instead, the apostle Paul encourages us to recognize that every good thing we are able to do is only through the grace of God and by the power of His Spirit at work in us (1 Corinthians 15:10; Colossians 1:29).
Three Ways to Fully Rely on God’s Strength and Greatness
- Start with humility: “God, I can do nothing apart from you. I need your help.”
- Act out of trust: “God, I trust in Your strength and ability. I acknowledge that my efforts are only able to succeed if You are fighting for me.”
- Give God the credit: “God, I am thankful for Your faithfulness to me. Any recognition or praise I receive belongs to You.”
Reflect:
- Is there an area of your life that you take wrongful pride in?
- How would your life change if you fully relied on God’s strength and greatness instead of your own?
- What is one thing you need to start doing or stop doing to trust in God instead of your own strength in that area?