Everyone wants to feel important at some point in time. In the early stages of life, a desire to fit in will cause individuals to want to become a part of or join a specific group of people. Whether this is a clique, fraternity, sorority or team, being part of a social setting adds a sense of belonging to lives. To those embraced by their peers, an inner strength is found as a support system is formed. This is one way that you can increase your strength.
Jesus did not let him [come], but [instead] He said to him, “Go home to your family and tell them all the great things that the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” 20 So he [obeyed and] went away and began to publicly proclaim in Decapolis [the region of the ten Hellenistic cities] all the great things that Jesus had done for him; and all the people were astonished, Mark 5:19-20.
During the first century, one man selected twelve individuals to become fishers of men. As Jesus began to heal, perform miracles and spread a message that became known as the gospel, large crowds followed these 13 men daily. This popularity inspired new converts to become disciples. After being freed from a legion of demons, a man begs Jesus to accept and receive him as a disciple. However, God had another plan for this man’s life. When you go home and tell others all that God has done to transform your life, your spiritual strength grows as faith is shared.
All those who heard him continued to be amazed and said, “Is this not the man who in Jerusalem attacked those who called on this name [of Jesus], and had come here [to Damascus] for the express purpose of bringing them bound [with chains] before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased in strength more and more, and continued to perplex the Jews who lived in Damascus by examining [theological evidence] and proving [with Scripture] that this Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), Acts 9:21-22.
One of the most radical spiritual transformations occurs in Acts 9. A religious zealot who persecuted apostles as well as overseeing the killing of Stephen, was blinded by a light from heaven. This sets into motion a series of events that leads Ananias to eventually heal Saul. As soon as Saul is healed, Ananias baptizes Saul suggesting a spiritual conversion. Like the man in Mark, Saul spends at least 2 years convincing Jews in Damascus that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. Like anything in life, the more you do something, the greater your confidence becomes. Thus, if you want to increase your strength, make it your ambition to share your faith daily.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 