I am fine-tuning you. You are going to be an instrument of Mine that is razor-sharp. I spend much time pruning those of Mine who seek Me. Once I break them of their own strength, I begin to build them up in My strength. Many people will use the expression, “The Lord is my strength,” when they are actually relying on their own resources. My strength is a mystery to many. I want to supply it, but many will fight the road which takes them there.

I must break you of your own strength; then I will build you up in Mine. But my transformation of you doesn’t come overnight. It requires patience, humility, and a surrendered heart. While you are waiting for Me, you may be tempted to grab hold of something temporary, while I desire to give you only the eternal.

My strength cannot be viewed apart from an understanding of My grace.

Not everything that looks good, feels good, or sounds good is the way to My best. I am waiting to give My best, but I do require you to wait on Me. If you are content with what comes by way of nature, or even giftedness, that is where I will leave you. But if you want My strength, it must be imparted by My grace. It doesn’t come naturally, and you can’t earn it. If you desire My strength, allow Me to take you to a place of need and then wait for it. It’s free to those that need it and wait for it. My strength has to do with grace. My strength cannot be viewed apart from an understanding of My grace.

SCRIPTURE
“‘Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39)

“Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and make the hills like chaff. You shall winnow them, the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; you shall rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:15-16)

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Further References: 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Isaiah 40:31, 66:1; Psalm 37:4-11, Ezekiel 37:1-14; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Hebrews 6:15, 12:5-11; 1 Peter 5:6

©2005 Masterpiece of the Wilderness, Deanna Deering