If you faint in the day of adversity,
your strength is small…Proverbs 24:10
If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! NIV
If you show yourself lacking courage on the day of distress, Your strength is meagre. NASB
If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small. NLT
The following are the variables for the word “faint” from the NAS EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE showing the use of the Hebrew word from Strongs #7503 raphah: sink, relax. They paint a very clear picture.
abandon (1) become helpless (1), cease (2), collapses (1), discouraged* (2), discouraging* (1), dropped (2), fail (5), fall limp (2), feeble (1), forsake (1), hang limp.
Helps Word Study identifies it as “withdrawing from pressure or resistance”.
‘Helps’ defines strength from the Hebrew word ~ kōaḥ – properly, rock-wall strength (cf. Arabic cognate, kiḥ, "rock-wall") – i.e. "be a wall" to resistance; power to withstand assault – potent enough to maintain, as suits the challenge like a retaining rock-wall which provides full protection to achieve what is needed (cf. TWOT, 1, 437; cf. NT 1411/dynamis, "power").
We learn from Proverb 24:10 fainting in times of trouble is about strength.
I’ve started a series on our FB group based on the invite from Jesus to come and learn of Him. You can check it out here if you’d like ~
https://www.facebook.com/groups/523946385153363/
The video from this week focused on Is. 42:4 concerning Jesus ~ He will not grow weak or be discouraged till He has established justice in the earth. We learn from Jesus this quality of faithful endurance. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring forth His character of faithful endurance as well.
We are to keep our eyes on Jesus and consider him lest we grow weary or become fainthearted. We know Jesus said in the last days mens hearts would fail them and in another verse, asks if he will find faith on the earth when he returns.
The Apostle Paul, in facing the adversities of his life beseeches God to remove them. God’s response, “My grace is sufficient”. This was enough for Paul to deal with his circumstances. It’s no wonder his prayers in Ephesians are filled with a desire to be filled with a Spirit of wisdom and understanding in the knowledge of God.
Most of our stumbling occurs in times we are being moved from our firm foundations. The wait has been long, the way is hard and we begin to allow circumstances to realign our thoughts. We begin to alter God realities by considering the things which are seen.
We are strengthened by His enabling power at work in us so our wall of defence is rock solid. Our wall of defence is strengthened because He is our safe refuge and our strong tower. We hide in Him and have no broken down places of entrance the enemy can access. As Jesus said, Satan is coming and has nothing in me; let it be so for us.
Colossians 1:11 reminds us we are strengthened with all dunamis ”might” according to his glorious kratos “exerted power” unto all endurance and patience with joy (chara ~ joy because of grace). Philippians 4:13 encourages us; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
1743 endynamóō (from 1722/en "in," which intensifies 1412/dynamóō, "to share power-ability") – properly, impart ability (make able); empower(ed). 1743/endynamóō ("made able, empowered") refers to the Lord sharing His ability (power) to accomplish all He grants faith for. Accordingly, 1743 (endynamóō) is directly associated with faith (4102/pístis, "God's inworked persuasion"). Ro 4:20: "Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong (1743/endynamóō) in faith (4102/pístis), giving glory to God" (NASB).
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32-24
It’s the hour to strengthen our hearts. To shore up that which is lacking so we may run and not be weary, walk and not faint. With Him all things are possible.