Then the church … enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:31
There are many places in Scripture where we read about God strengthening his people. For example, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16). Or another example is when someone is sent to strengthen the church, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2).
God has made available all the resources necessary for us to live the Christian life and these resources aren’t just enough, they are more than enough. They come from his “glorious riches” and he doesn’t ration them out sparingly but abundantly. Yet we don’t always avail ourselves of them. We think God is too busy or disinterested or perhaps we like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient. Sometimes we aren’t prepared to humble ourselves in order to receive.
God is our Father who cares for us so we can rely on him. God does this through His Spirit who lives in us and strengthens us with his power in our inner being.
Another thing I like about this verse is the “time of peace”. God doesn’t want us constantly under pressure and facing difficulties. Rather there are seasons of pruning, seasons of growing, seasons of reaping and seasons of letting the ground lay fallow where there is rest.
Praise God for seasons of peace where we can be strengthened and encouraged.
