It’s one thing to imagine strength in human terms—muscles, skill, achievement. But what does it mean when we think about God showing strength on our behalf? That’s exactly what Second Chronicles 16:9 points us toward: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to him.”
Strength on your behalf
Last time, we reflected on God’s eyes roaming the earth, searching for loyal hearts. Today, the focus shifts to what happens when God moves: He wants to show Himself strong for you.
Think of it like a child flexing his muscles, eager to display what he can do. There’s a similar image in Scripture of God’s limitless power. He created the universe by the power of His word alone. That same power—limitless, unstoppable, unimaginable—is available on our behalf.
The power at work within us
Sometimes we wonder why our prayers aren’t answered, or why God’s strength doesn’t feel visible in our daily struggles. Ephesians 3 reminds us that God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. But the question isn’t always why God isn’t acting—it’s what power is at work within us.
Prayer and fasting help us see that. When we pause, abstain, and focus on God, we begin to notice the ways our own habits, desires, and dependencies have shaped our lives. We create needs in our own hearts, sometimes without realizing it. Fasting reveals what’s holding us back and opens the door for God’s resurrection power to move within us.
The ultimate demonstration of strength
Even if every prayer isn’t answered as we hope, God has already shown His ultimate strength on our behalf: through Jesus. His sacrifice, death, and resurrection demonstrate a power and love beyond anything we could ask for. That is the foundation on which all other blessings rest.
What this means for you
As you pray and fast this week, let yourself release the things that have been at work in your life that shouldn’t be. Embrace the power of Christ at work in you. And remember: God wants to show Himself strong on yo
