Popeye the Sailor is a well-known and beloved cartoon character. In just about every Popeye cartoon, the sailor finds himself in what appears to be a hopeless situation. Typically after taking a beating and being left in a weakened state, he comes across a can of spinach. After eating the spinach, he would receive superhuman strength. He would then go on to save the day with his newfound strength. Popeye the Sailor was strong to the finish because he ate his spinach. The spinach was the source of his strength.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9
In part oneand two we talked about:
• Our weakness
• What it means to be strong
• Our need for strength.
When we examine the word “weakness” in the Greek, we discover that it means; to be feeble, a lack of vigor and strength. (See comment section below for footnotes)
God commands us to stand in the times of adversity (1 Peter 5:9). We are unable to stand on our own. Without God we lack the strength to stand.
In the book of Ephesians we are told to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. We are told that we need to be strong in Him so that we can stand.
As believers we stay strong when we:
• Remain rooted in Him (John 15:4)
• Rejoice in His presence (Psalm 16:11)
• Remain prayerful (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
• Read His Word (Psalm 119:9-11)
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Remember, while I can not run your race for you, I can run it with you. Stay encouraged and be blessed.
