I AM NOT STRONG. I am loyal. I have a lot of people ask me, “How do you do it? You are so strong!” I have overcome so much in my life: a past of drugs and immorality, sexual abuse, abandonment, depression, anxiety, a panic disorder, physical infirmities, the day to day fleshly battles and more. Sure, I am strong…to a point. You haven’t seen me when I’ve been rolled up in a fetal position crying out in pain and crushing despair. The times I’ve declared, “I’m done!” and I could not find the strength in myself to go on. Perhaps you yourself have been there?
But if my testimony draws you to me, I am doing it wrong.
I am not strong. I am loyal and determined. I am resolute to follow Him outside the camp. I am unwavering in my devotion to Him, to never quit and never give up. I may fail and I may fall, but I will not be a failure because He is the strength of my life. I have learned like David to strengthen myself in the Lord my God.
“Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” I Sam 30:6
I can do nothing without Him and I can do all things through Him. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. You may admire my determination; but make no mistake, His blood gives me life. His sacrifice changes my mind and my heart. His Spirit gives me power and I draw from His strength;
“In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.” 2 Sam 22:30
It is His voice I hear first thing in the morning, “Rise up!” And the last words I utter before I drift off into sleep, “I love You Lord Jesus.” I cannot repay Him, but I can be a loyal servant. You will see my strength fail, but you will never see me be unfaithful. Through the power of the Spirit, I am a child of God and I can overcome every obstacle, the sin and every temptation the enemy hurls at me. I am free from bondage and am more than a conqueror.
My whole life and ministry is centered around His strength and that I am more than a conqueror by the blood of the Lamb and the Holy Spirit. You too, can overcome your past and your brokenness. You can overcome pain and sorrow. You can overcome every sinful thought and action. You can overcome your deceitful feelings and angry outbursts. In short, you can do all things through Him who gives you strength. IF you will humble yourself and look to Jesus.
“Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.” Psalm 59:17
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
