STRENGTH FOR THE BATTLE – 5: How to Build Up Spiritual Strength
It is another wonderful day to be alive! We have been exploring the subject of strength, and in concluding this series, we must realize that all these discussions would be incomplete without a practical understanding of how to build up spiritual strength. Let us look at key ways we can build and maintain that strength.
1. Spiritual Food and Spiritual Exercise
The food we eat physically converts to energy and fat, and exercise builds it into muscles. However, if you exercise without food, the body eventually consumes its own energy reserves until you grow weak.
We have already established that the ultimate source of spiritual strength is God, and God is one with His Word (John 1:1). Taking in His Word as spiritual food is the foundation of our spiritual strength. When we do not study the Word of God as our daily nourishment (Matthew 4:4), our obedience will begin to waver. On the other hand, if we study it continuously without obeying it, we risk becoming spiritually bloated with the "fat" of pride.
Studying the Word is eating spiritual food, but obeying it is the exercise that converts spiritual food into spiritual muscle. That is why Jesus said, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).
When an unused tool sits idle, it rusts. Likewise, when the Word of God is not exercised in our daily lives, it is easily stolen by the enemy because we forget it. Then Satan will seek to fill that void with his own thoughts. Jesus described this principle, saying, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first...” (Matthew 12:43–45).
2. Looking Within
We often treat external circumstances as the main issue, but the root of every struggle begins on the inside. Salvation starts within our spirit when we are born again, and it continues in our soul as our mind is renewed by the Word. What happens inside us matters far more than what happens around us. The devil has no power over a believer unless he finds a foothold within them. Jesus said, “...for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me” (John 14:30).
Because Satan knows this, he tries to block Christians from studying the Word through constant distractions. If you struggle to find time or focus to read, try listening to an audio Bible with headphones throughout your day, or listen to anointed teaching messages. You will be amazed at how this simple habit builds your inner strength.
3. The Power of Prayer and the Holy Spirit
Prayer is another powerful tool God has given us to build spiritual strength. It was the anchor of Daniel’s life, which is why the enemy targeted his prayer time (Daniel 6). A vital dimension of prayer for believers today is praying in the Holy Spirit—speaking in tongues. The Scripture says,
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 1:20).
Studying or praying is not effective because of human routine alone, but because doing these things in faith activates the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit quickens whatever we do in God’s will, imparting life and strength to us.
If there is one prayer we should pray regularly, it is that the Holy Spirit would strengthen us to do God’s will. Apostle Paul prayed this for the believers in Ephesus, saying, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:14–16).
Prayer breaks down the hindrances set up by the devil to keep us weak. Satan always tries to weaken a believer before attempting to overcome them. Prayer also gives us the opportunity to put the Word into action.
Conclusion
To be victorious in life, we need strength—and above all, spiritual strength. Its primary source is the Word of God abiding in us and being put into practice: The Scripture says, “...I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14).
Obedience to God’s Word means submitting to His authority. Only when we operate under His authority can we exercise His power and tap fully into His strength—even the angels draw their strength from doing His word (Psalms 103:20). If we do not submit to God, we cannot expect spiritual opposition to yield to us. The Scripture says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
I trust this series has been enlightening and encouraging. Feel free to share these thoughts with others, and stay blessed!
Today’s Reading:
Jude 1, Ephesians 3
Nevertheless, if you are not born again, you can accept Christ today by saying this simple prayer out loud in faith, believing that Jesus Christ died and rose again for your sins:
Prayer for Salvation
“Dear Lord, I believe Jesus died and rose again for me. Forgive me my sins and come into my life. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Wash me with your precious blood. Thank You, Father, for doing this for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
Congratulations! Your status has changed to that of a child of God if you said this prayer in faith.