Inner Strength (Guest Post)

I’m so excited to introduce you to my prayer, women’s ministry and writing partner, Tope Keku. I started attending her Sunday School class about seven years ago, just as I was beginning my journey to heal from Childhood Sexual Abuse. She has consistently been there for me, prayed with me and pointed me to the truth in God’s word. She is a master storyteller and the excerpt below is just one devotion from her new book, Weathering Storms: Finding Treasures in the Ruins. Her words always resonate with me and help me to grow in my identity in Christ. Be sure to follow her blog at Hidden Treasures and Riches and you can purchase her book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, WalMart and Christian Book Distributors.

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources, he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

Ephesians 3:16 NLT

Inner Strength by: Tope Keku

A few years ago, I was thirty pounds overweight. I realized that losing weight meant I had to make changes. I struggled initially to determine the plan of action, but I decided that losing weight required effort and being intentional. My plan was simple. Every night before going to bed, I had a talk with myself as I laid out my exercise clothes and shoes. 

It took time to be consistent, but twelve years later I am still working this plan. I have gained physical and spiritual strength, as I now view my exercise time as a way to connect with God in prayer.

In our spiritual life, we may be out of shape and need to “lose a few pounds.” Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:16–19 NLT) is a great prayer to own as we seek inner strength to grow in wisdom and knowledge. #Weathering Storms by @TopeKeku

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I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you consistently, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. 

Paul’s prayer helps me to better align my prayers with God’s heart. Often, when I think about my struggles, I want relief. But God’s plans rarely lead to an immediate answer. That’s when I must learn to endure, because “endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:4 ESV). 

Cultivating inner strength builds our resilience, perseverance, and character. #Weathering Storms by @TopeKeku

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What weights are you willing to shed to gain God’s inner strength? Personalize Paul’s prayer and ask God to help you.

Prayer:

Lord, I praise you for the privileges I have in you. Help me tap into your unlimited resources to gain inner strength and wisdom to pursue your purpose for my life. Thank you for using the very things I kick against to teach me patience, compassion, love, empathy, and speaking the truth in love. Thank you for instructing me in the way of wisdom and guiding me on a straight path. 

About Tope:

Dr. Temitope Keku is a scientist, author, speaker, coach, mentor, and Bible teacher. Her passion is to inspire women to discover the hidden treasures in adversity, grow in their faith and embrace Jesus, the true source of hope. You can find out more about her ministry at Hidden Treasures and Riches.