1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him.
There’s a lot of talk these days about performance enhancing drugs. Baseball and football players alike are being handed suspensions for using drugs that are supposed to help them get stronger, faster, and generally better. Apparently it isn’t helping them get any smarter. The very fact that the NFL is currently reworking it’s drug policy shows how big the problem is. But at some level, I get it. These are competitive sports and these guys feel the pressure to have the competitive edge. More strength. More power. More everything. That’s the mantra. Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t think it’s right. But I do see how easy that trap is.
Paul, however, didn’t need any performance enhancing drugs. He told Timothy: “I thank Jesus, who has given me strength to do his work.” Paul did a lot of work for Jesus. He was the MVP of the team. If there was an apostle Pro-Bowl, he’d be selected. And despite massive hardship, he felt he had the strength to continue on. This didn’t come from a balanced breakfast or plenty of sleep; it came from Jesus. Because Jesus is faithful. When He calls us to do His work, He gives us what we need to do it.
Let me say that again: When He calls us to do His work, He gives us what we need to do it. We don’t need drugs, we need Jesus. He is the giver of strength. He is the giver of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who builds us, equips us, comforts us, and beckons us to press on toward the prize. So take heart today, He who has called you is faithful. If it is HIS work you are doing, He will provide you the strength to do it. Don’t give up. Don’t be discouraged. Instead, thank Jesus that He gives you the strength to carry on.
*Have you become weary? Begin to thank Jesus for the strength that He provides and see what happens.
Abundant Life 