Strengthened for Christian Service

"I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other."
Isaiah 45:5-6 (NIV)

Isn't it amazing that God says He will strengthen us, even though we haven't acknowledged Him? But look carefully at the above verse. Why does God strengthen us, in spite of our self-absorption? He does it so that men everywhere will know He is the one true God!

Unfortunately, we often want God's strength, so that we'll feel better, be happy, and have the ability to face our own circumstances. Thankfully, as God strengthens us, we do feel better, experience His joy, and often move forward in whatever had previously held us back. But God's purpose in everything He does is always for His ultimate glory.

Are you facing difficult circumstances today? Do you have big decisions to make? Ask God for His strength, and while you're at it, ask Him to bring your heart into alignment with His, so that your motive will be to glorify Him with the strength He gives.

Father, I thank you that you give us strength, even when we don't ask for it. I thank you for your great love for us that pursues us, even when we ignore you. I ask that you'll help us to shift our thinking from self to you. Help us to declare your praise from the time the sun rises till it sets each and every day. Lord, we give this day to you, and ask that you strengthen us for the purpose of glorifying your name. Amen.