One of the greatest difficulties of modern life is how easy everything is. I certainly don’t want anything to actually get harder for me or you, but it’s easy to go through our days without facing any dangers or hardships. When something does come up, whether it’s sickness, grief, or some challenging situation, it stops us in our tracks. That’s why one of the most important things you can do, whether you’re currently facing a struggle or not, is to focus on praying for strength in Christ.
Leaning on God During Trials
Here are three big ideas to start your prayers for strength.
Follow Jesus’ example
There is so much wisdom in the Bible, but I always like to start with what Jesus did. He faced more danger, difficulty and temptation than anyone—constantly under siege from the devil, the Pharisees and the Roman authorities. What did He model for us to do when praying for strength? Did He show us how a resolute man puts everything on His shoulders and faces it alone and silently?
No, the exact opposite! Jesus asked God, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
In our culture, I can imagine an authority figure barking orders to finish the job or he might question the resolve, commitment or strength of the person looking for help. Maybe that’s why so many of us are slow to admit we need help.
But see how God responded to Jesus’ plea: “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”
If you’re in need, tell God through prayer and He will strengthen you, too.
Show your weakness
You might be thinking, “It’s one thing to admit when you need help, but you want me to do what?”
In 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul relates that God told him “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” All the difficulties of life only highlight the power and grace of God.
Then, Paul tells us how we should act: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
It’s easy to understand, but harder to live out. Pray to God that He can make this verse real for you and give you His power to carry on.
Understand Who is in control
Hardships, struggles and spiritual battles can really highlight that we’re really not in control…ever. We might think we are. But in the good times and the bad, God is.
Paul goes on to say in Philippians 4:11-13, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This verse shows us that Paul wasn’t just content when he had what most of us would call the essentials. By relying solely on God, he learned to be fulfilled when he was in desperate physical need. He turned to God praying for strength and rested in Him.
Pray to God and surrender control, so He can fill you with strength.
Finding Courage in Prayer
Prayer can be done in many ways, at any place, in any part of the day. It’s the main way we connect with God. When I feel like I need strength from God, I like to ask Him for it and listen for His voice.
You can meditate on Psalm 119:28: “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” It’s like asking God to remind you of everything He’s revealed to us in the Bible, and all the goodness He’s shown us in our lives.
Here are just a few of the promises that God makes to us:
- Exodus 15:1-4: God is our strength and our defense. “Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today (Exodus 14:13).
- Psalm 46:1-3: God is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” no matter what is happening around us.
- Nehemiah 8:10: The joy of the Lord is our strength.
- Isaiah 40:29-30: When we’re feeling physically or emotionally drained, turn to God. He renews our strength and gives us His power to “run and not grow weary.”
- Philippians 4:6: Strengthen your faith through prayer by presenting your requests to God—in every situation.
Remember, praying for strength in Christ is a powerful opportunity to glorify God and draw closer to Him.
Want to learn more from the example of perfect manhood that Jesus set forth? Check out Receive: The Way of Jesus for Men.
