January 4

strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. — Acts 14:22 BSB

The very word “confirm” shows that the souls of Christ’s disciples need strengthening. If there were no temptations to test us, no deep sorrows to grieve us, no painful afflictions to trouble us, and on the other hand, no weakness of soul, no sinking of heart, no doubt or fear, how could the souls of the disciples be strengthened? God’s people are not made of iron, impervious to all struggles. Their hearts, shaped by grace, are in some ways like Christ’s heart. He said, “My heart is like wax; it melts within me.”

So the Lord’s people, carrying broken hearts and contrite spirits, often feel cast down by the many trials they face. For this reason, they need to be confirmed, supported, and strengthened by the Lord, who lifts them into His arms and makes His strength perfect in their weakness.

Is this not the way of the gospel? Can I, through sheer effort, raise my soul to a certain level of strength? If trouble comes, can I force myself to endure it more courageously, like a patient enduring a surgeon’s knife? This is human nature, not grace. The Lord does not expect this of His people. Even Paul, in his trials, heard the Lord say, “My grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul responded, “I will gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

It is deeply painful for God’s people to find no strength when they need it most, no faith when it seems most crucial, no help when it’s most required. This experience baffles and unsettles many believers. But when the Lord, in His mysterious ways, chooses to give His strength and make it perfect in our weakness, then we can bless Him for our very weakness. Like Paul, we can glory in our infirmities because the power of Christ rests on us.