Where Do You Get the Power to Keep Going? 💪✝️
Life feels like a marathon sometimes, doesn’t it? We get knocked down, exhausted, and tempted to quit. But the Bible reminds us: we get up again and keep going — not in our own strength, but through God’s power. Let’s dive into this encouraging truth with practical insights and Scripture to fuel your journey.
The Reality of Being Knocked Down 🥊
We all face opposition. Troubles press in from every side — stress at work, family struggles, health issues, or spiritual battles. You might feel afflicted in every way, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV) captures it perfectly:
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Paul wasn’t sugarcoating life — he was describing real hardship. Yet he refused to be crushed or destroyed. The key? Resilience powered by God.
Jesus’ Unstoppable Determination 🚀
Even Jesus faced intense opposition. Religious leaders intimidated Him, warning of threats to His life. But He didn’t back down.
Luke 13:32-33 (ESV):
“And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.”’”
Jesus declared: I must go on my way — today, tomorrow, and the next day. Nothing — not fear, criticism, or danger — stopped Him from fulfilling His purpose. He modeled perfect endurance.
Paul’s Secret to Endurance 🔥
Paul echoed this in his own trials. In the same passage from 2 Corinthians, he shows that being knocked down doesn’t mean staying down. God never abandons us.
Another powerful verse reinforces where the strength comes from:
2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV):
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace…”
We can only keep going by the power of God — the same God who saved us and called us to His purpose. He doesn’t expect us to run on empty; He supplies the strength daily.
More Verses to Fuel Your Perseverance 📖
Here are additional ESV Scriptures to meditate on when you’re tempted to quit:
- Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
- Romans 5:3-5 (ESV): “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…”
- James 1:12 (ESV): “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
These remind us that endurance isn’t just survival — it’s a path to growth, hope, and eternal reward.
Where Do People Turn Instead? 🤔
When hardships hit, many turn to:
- Self-reliance or willpower (which eventually runs out)
- Distractions like entertainment, work, or substances
- People or relationships for comfort
These might help temporarily, but only God’s power is strong enough to carry us through the deepest valleys. Why? Because it’s supernatural, unending, and tied to His unchanging purpose and grace.
Talk It Over: Practical Reflection Points ❓
- What fears, opposition, or criticism tempt you to pull back from what God has called you to do?
- In what ways do you feel “pressed on every side by troubles” right now?
- How can relying on God’s power change your response to these challenges?
Take a moment today to identify one area where you need fresh strength — then ask God for it!
A Prayer to Keep Going 🙏
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the promise that we are not crushed, not forsaken, not destroyed. When I feel knocked down and exhausted, remind me of Jesus’ determination and Paul’s endurance. Fill me with Your power — the same power that saved me and called me to this holy work. Help me run with endurance, looking to Jesus, and trust that You provide everything I need to finish what You’ve started in me. Strengthen me today, tomorrow, and the days ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going, friend — God’s got you! 💙
Jesus’ Secrets of Resilience: Finding Peace Amid Stress
Jesus Christ faced unimaginable stress—betrayal, rejection, suffering, and ultimately the cross—yet He lived with profound peace and endurance. As Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV) reminds us:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Jesus shows us how to run life’s race with resilience. Here are seven secrets drawn from His life—practical steps to build unbreakable peace and strength in Him. 🌟
1. Remember How Much God Loves You (Compassion) ❤️
Jesus knew the Father’s deep love for Him. This anchored His soul through trials.
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.” — John 10:17 (ESV)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” — John 15:9-10 (ESV)
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” — 1 John 3:1 (ESV)
Bold truth: God’s love for you is lavish and unchanging. Start each day reminding yourself: I am deeply loved by the Father. This truth silences fear and fuels resilience.
2. Remember Who You Are in Christ (Identification) 🪞
Jesus confidently declared His identity as the Son of God, Light of the world, and more.
Jesus said to them,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” — John 8:58 (implied in context; see also Mark 14:62, John 8:12, John 14:6)
“I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” — John 8:18 (ESV)
He also called His followers the salt of the earth and light of the world:
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
Bold truth: You are chosen, redeemed, and called to shine. Anchor your worth in Christ—not opinions or failures.
3. Know Who You’re Trying to Please (Motivation) 🎯
Jesus lived solely to please the Father, not people.
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” — John 5:30 (ESV)
“And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” — John 8:29 (ESV)
Paul echoed this:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
Bold truth: Shift from people-pleasing to God-pleasing. Ask daily: Who am I living for?
4. Know Your Calling (Vocation) 🛤️
Jesus had clear purpose and direction.
Jesus answered,
“Even if I do bear witness about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going…” — John 8:14 (ESV)
A double-minded person wavers, but clarity brings strength:
“I therefore… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” — Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)
Bold truth: Discover and pursue your God-given calling. Live purposefully—no distractions.
5. Focus on What Matters Most (Concentration) 🔍
Jesus stayed laser-focused on His mission.
“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” — Luke 9:51 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:62 (ESV)
Not everything is beneficial:
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.” — 1 Corinthians 10:23 (ESV)
Bold truth: Prioritize eternal impact. Say no to distractions—focus forward.
6. Spend Time Alone with God (Meditation) 🙏
Jesus prioritized solitude and prayer.
“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” — Mark 1:35 (ESV)
“But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” — Luke 5:15-16 (ESV)
“Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” — Colossians 2:7 (ESV)
Bold truth: Daily quiet time with God recharges your soul. Make it non-negotiable.
7. Get a Small Group for Support (Collaboration) 👥
Jesus chose and relied on His disciples.
“And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach…” — Mark 3:14 (ESV)
In His darkest hour:
Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” — Matthew 26:38 (ESV)
Bold truth: You weren’t meant to go alone. Build accountable, supportive relationships.
These secrets transformed Jesus’ endurance into ours. Apply them daily—start with one today—and watch resilience grow. 🙌