Why hasn't Christ made me strong?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: The Bible says that Christ will make us strong, so I thought when I became a Christian God would give me strength to become a leader in my church, but it just hasn’t happened. – W.S.
A: God’s meaning of strength and man’s idea of strength are opposite one another. The Lord told Paul, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). Having learned this lesson, Paul could then say, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NKJV). When we depend on our own strength, we live in the flesh. When we give ourselves up to His will, He dominates our hearts and minds and empowers us to live according to His will, and we trust Him.
God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Otherwise, it would not be God’s strength, nor would He get the glory. That is why throughout the Old Testament God often ordered the leaders of Israel to reduce the size of their armies. God wanted the faith of man to be placed in Him and not in human armaments or physical strength. In our own lives, God wants us to be broken in spirit so that He can make us strong at the broken places.
Strength of spirit is forged by a personal faith in God, by tough discipline, and by daily fellowship with God through prayer and the study of His Word. No matter where we are, God is as close as a prayer. He’s our support and strength, and He helps us make our way up again from whatever depths we have fallen.
When we commit ourselves completely to Christ, He gives us strength to overcome our problems, and most certainly our sin. “We are more than conquerors through Him” (Romans 8:37, NKJV). It is in His strength and His power that we are overcomers.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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