What do you picture when you hear the word strong? Maybe muscles and sweat? Maybe a mother lifting a car to save her child with superhuman strength? Not everyone can be a weightlifter, but all of us are called to be strong in the Lord, dedicating our lives to make the love of God evident to all.

How can our offering in this year’s Self-Denial help us be strong?

At school and in competitions, strength is measured by power over another. If you win, you have beaten someone else. But in today’s chaotic and noisy world, we must train our minds and focus our eyes to understand what strength truly means as a follower of Jesus Christ.

How was Jesus strong? He was a servant who was humble, even though he owned the universe. He came to serve. He was mighty, but he didn’t use his might to coerce; rather, he invited. Instead of shutting doors, he opened his father’s home for all.

So, through the example of Jesus Christ, we can recognise strength in a different way—a strength that at first glance, may look hidden or ordinary.

It may be the strength of a survivor of abuse carrying on against all odds. It may be the strength of someone with chronic illness who has to rise and meet the day. It may be the strength of someone with anger issues choosing not to lash out but instead, seeking counselling and healing.

Or it may be the strength to give and to trust, resisting the urge to hoard and hide.

We are invited to be strong. Ephesians reminds us, ”Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10–11, NIV).

This appeal calls for more than our finances. It asks for our prayers, our awareness and our response. We are invited to keep our eyes open to the needs around us and our hearts ready to act.

It reminds us that we can be strong in the Lord, strong in the ways that truly matter. Our arms can reach out to comfort through our sacrificial offering. Our hands can help heal, as Jesus commanded. Our prayers do not land on deaf ears—they open doorways to hope and peace.

• What would it take for you to feel that what you are doing is effective and motivated by love for others?
• How might you pray for these initiatives in the coming weeks, beyond the appeal?
• How has God’s strength shown itself in your life?

Jesus, we thank you for the breath of your Holy Spirit that makes us strong.

Thank you for giving us life and for calling us to be an Army that brings life.

Shake us awake, we pray.

Stir our hearts to generosity, knowing we cannot outgive you, and that people need us to be strong in the ways that matter to you.

Amen.