Are You Strong Enough?

Are You Strong Enough?
*By Don Vess*

**Proverbs 24:10 (NLT):**  
*If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.*

The word *fail* in this verse is from the Hebrew word *raphah* (raw-faw), which means to slacken, cease, abate, or quit. Another translation reads:  
**Proverbs 24:10 (NASB):**  
*If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited.*

Last week, I talked about four types of hearts that respond to the Word of God, much like different soils respond to seed:

1. **Hard Hearts:** These are cynical and unbelieving. They refuse to listen, no matter what.
2. **Hollow Hearts:** They receive the message with joy but quickly give up at the first sign of trouble. No endurance.
3. **Half-Hearts:** These people accept the Gospel but are unwilling to fully surrender to Christ as Lord. They want the benefits of the kingdom while holding on to the world.
4. **Whole Hearts:** These hear, receive, and act on the Word, allowing it to transform them.

Why do we sometimes want to quit or slacken in our relationship with God? What makes us fail in fulfilling the purpose or destiny He has for us?

When we stop walking by faith and trust instead in our circumstances, our strength will diminish, and we will wilt under pressure.

I remember a time when I was facing a serious crisis in my ministry. It felt like everything was falling apart. Someone shared *Proverbs 24:10* with me and said, "Ponder this verse and consider what it means." Later, another friend texted me *Hebrews 13:5-6 (NLT):*  
*"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?'"*

Trouble is inevitable in life. *John 16:33* tells us that tribulation is certain. But Jesus has overcome the world, and if we rely on Him, we can endure.  
**Ephesians 6:10-13 (NASB):**  
*"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."*

Paul reminds us that our fight isn't against people, but against spiritual forces. We need the armor of God: truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

When we face tribulation, it can actually strengthen us if we handle it properly. Like Jeremiah, who questioned God when he saw the wicked prospering, we may feel overwhelmed. God’s response to Jeremiah is powerful:  
**Jeremiah 12:5 (NLT):**  
*"If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses?"*

God uses trials to develop our endurance. *Romans 5:1-5* explains that tribulation produces perseverance, character, and hope. We must not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we will reap a harvest if we don't give up (*Galatians 6:9*).

Here are key scriptures to stay strong in the Lord:

- **Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT):**  
  *"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."*
 
- **Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT):**  
  *"Rejoice in the Lord always. Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for what He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace."*
 
- **James 1:2-4 (NLT):**  
  *"When trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."*

Finally, remember that life is a test. Trials reveal the strength of our faith, just as fire tests and refines gold (*1 Peter 1:6-7*).

Are you strong enough? With God’s strength, you are.