Quote with a Meaning

Yesterday I read a simple phrase that someone said to another human being.
Having read it many times before, and maybe skimming over it a little because of who said it, I think I realise now what truth it holds...

"As is the man, so is his strength...."   Judges 8:21 niv

What the speaker of this phrase understood was profoundly simple.
Who you are on the inside determines how strong you really are!

You see you can go to a gym and bulk up.
Maybe you already have a physical body that is naturally disposed to being strong.
But that doesn't make you a strong person...

Strong people are recognised by their ability to respond better in challenging situations.
Strong people have an ability to weather storms others run away from.
Strong people amaze weaker people with their acts of strength.
Strong people are even recoginsed by others to be able to offer shelter because they are seen as a safe haven.

The story behind this phrase says a lot as well.
Gideon is defeating his enemies systematically. One victory after another.
And he asks one of his kids to do 'the deed', to kill one of them after he is captured.
But the Bible says he is afraid and Gideon is told this little phrase I have quoted.

Gideons son was not strong.
All he had done so far it seems is follow along for the ride.
Gideon on the other hand was strong because he didn't just follow. He led!
He had taken God at His word. Had grown in faith. Had put his hand to the plough as they say...
And now he is far stronger than when you first see him mentioned in the scriptures.

To wrap this up, think of it all this way maybe?
God calls us His people, mighty men and women of God. It is a prophetic statement over your life about who He sees you can be.
God wants you to be strong and take the land.
If you don't feel strong, do what will make you stronger...
Follow the example of others of faith who have become strong in God.
It is simple. It is right there in front of you.

Like the song goes... "Let the weak say I am strong...let the poor say I am rich"

Rise up mighty man or women of God.
Rise up and find your strength...

Something to think about...