Becoming increasingly strong

David instructs us : "Oh! How great is your goodness, which you hold in reserve for those who fear you, that you testify to those who seek in you their refuge, at the sight of the sons of man !

You protect them under the shelter of your face" (Psalms 31: 19-20). It is time to shut ourselves up with Christ and pour out our hearts before Him.

When the fury of the storm strikes us, we shall need an individual reserve of strength. When we are in the midst of the storm, none of us will be able to cross it through the strength of someone else. We will not be able to take it from our spouse, pastor, friend, or even a prophet of God.

We see this truth being illustrated by the parable of Jesus of the foolish virgins. When the virgins tried to borrow oil from their wiser counterparts, they were told, "Go and buy. We do not have enough for you and for us" (see Matthew 25: 9).

Do you hear what Jesus says in this parable? He warns all His children : "No one else has faith enough to bear you. You must have your own reserve of faith and trust in Me."

It's very simple: you need your own strength reserve. But you can not get it simply by reading books or listening to messages, or teaching tapes. You can not get it by simply being part of a group of worship or doing good works. This power comes when we are alone with the Lord in His presence.

I now turn to all Christians : the time has come for you to come near Jesus. You need His presence more than ever !

The psalmist says of those who present themselves before God at Zion : "Their strength increases during the walk" (Psalm 84: 7). We are told, "The praying Christian will not fail in difficult times. He will become stronger and stronger because he trusts in God."

David Wilkerson