The Strength of the SpirtSample

Title: Leaning on God, Not Our Own Strength

Life has a way of throwing tests at us—challenges that push us to our limits. Had a few of those over the journey… Maybe you’re facing financial struggles, relationship difficulties, or just feeling completely overwhelmed. Our natural instinct is often to grit our teeth, dig in, and try to push through in our own strength. But what if those very tests are designed to teach us something greater?

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

See, God never intended for us to carry life’s burdens alone. He allows tests—not to break us, but to build us. Think about it: when do you grow the most in your faith? Is it when everything is easy and comfortable? Or is it when you’re stretched, when you’re at the end of yourself, and you finally turn to God?

The Bible gives us example after example of people who learned this the hard way. Take Peter, for instance. When he saw Jesus walking on water, he wanted to do the same. And for a moment, he did! But the second he started relying on himself, focusing on the wind and the waves instead of Jesus, he began to sink. That’s when Jesus reached out and rescued him. (Matthew 14:30-31)

Same deal for us right! When we face trials, we have a choice—we can either lean on our own strength and sink, or we can fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to carry us through.

James 1:2-4 reminds us, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

So, what are you facing today? Instead of fighting through it on your own, take a deep breath and surrender it to God. Say, “Lord, I can’t do this without You. I need Your strength.” Because the truth is, we were never meant to handle life alone. The tests you’re going through aren’t there to defeat you—they're there to grow you, to strengthen your faith, and to teach you to lean on the One who never fails.