The Bible says in Proverbs 18:14:
“The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?” – (KJV)
It is a Bible fact that your “inner man” is the real you. Your body is just the house.
Think of your body as a glove and your spirit as the hand. The glove looks alive when the hand is in it, but without the hand, that glove is dead. Your body is the sheath, and your spirit is the sharp sword inside.
A strong spirit acts as a reservoir that sustains you through:
•Physical attacks: It provides the strength to endure bodily pain and outlast the symptoms.
• Financial difficulties: It keeps you from fainting when the bank account looks empty.
• Marital problems: It gives you the power to walk in love when things get heated.
• Career setbacks: It prevents you from quitting when you face a ministerial or professional “tuna-sized” problem.
“The strong spirit of a man will sustain him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?” — Proverbs 18:14 (Amplified)
Key Takeaways
• Prioritize the Inner Man: Spend more time feeding your spirit than you do dressing your body.
• Watch Your Diet:Be picky! Only listen to teaching that builds your faith and brings you peace.
• Eliminate the Drains: Stop the leaks. Stop worrying, flee from sin, and refuse to get into fusses and fights.
Pillar 1: Nourishment (Feeding Your Spirit)
Your spirit requires food just like your body does. Jesus said man doesn’t live by bread alone, but by every word from God (Matthew 4:4).Â
But you have to check the “Spiritual Nutrition Label” on what you hear. Not all Bible teaching is good for you. Some is just “religious junk food” full of condemnation or tradition. Your spirit needs “Words of Faith” and “Words of Grace” to grow.
If a message doesn’t produce peace and joy, it’s just “religious weight.” I’ve seen people sit in church for thirty years and never grow. Why? Because they weren’t eating words of faith.
To get strong, you need to “pig out” on the Word. Don’t just snack on a verse or two. Saturation is the key to moving from weakness to power.
Tip: The 10-Chapter Challenge
I have a close friend who beat cancer twice by doing this. He read the Book of Mark every single day—all 16 chapters. If you are in a life-and-death battle, you must immerse yourself in the Word. Read at least 10 chapters of the New Testament daily to keep your spirit full.
Pillar 2: Exercise (Training Your Faith)
You don’t get strong just by eating; you have to lift something! Spiritual exercise is using your faith in everyday life. Start with the small stuff so you’re ready for the big battles.
Think of your faith like a fishing line. You can’t land a 200-pound tuna with a “Snoopy pole.” That little toy reel will snap! You build a “high-test” spirit by using your faith on small bills and minor headaches.
Exercise your spirit through the Receive and Resist process:
1. Receive: This is “hooking” the fish. You reach out with your heart and take what God has promised the moment you pray.
2. Resist: This is the “reeling in” phase. You hold on to your confidence and expect the answer while the enemy tries to pull the hook out of the mouth of the fish.
Pillar 3: Rest (The Power of Peace)
One of the greatest secrets to strength is knowing how to rest. Faith is not a strain; it’s a rest! If you are uptight and pacing, you’re not in faith.
Think of the zoo. The “Big Cat” paces and has a high heart rate even when lying down. He wears out. But the alligator just lies in the water, calm and patient. The alligator outlives the lion because he knows how to rest.
If you don’t know how to rest, you don’t know much about faith. Rest allows your spirit to repair and regenerate.
The “Waiting on the Lord” Guide
To develop this inner rest, you must practice quiet times:
• Sit in silence:Turn off the phone and the TV. No talking and no reading.
• Keep your mind “stayed on God”: Focus entirely on God’s presence and goodness.
• Commune with your heart: Be still on your bed and let the Holy Ghost minister to your inner man.
If you don’t know how to rest, you don’t know much about faith.
Steps on How To Develop A Strong Spirit
To truly build power, you must identify the “leaks” in your tank. You can pump in the Word all day, but these four drains will pull the plug on your progress.
1. Fear and Worry
Yielding to worry is like pulling the plug in a bathtub. It drains your spiritual vitality and leaves you exhausted. Fear is a spiritual drain that makes everything in life feel laborious and heavy.
2. Yielding to the Flesh
Sin makes you “spiritually dumb.” Look at Samson; he was the strongest man alive, but he slept with the enemy. Sin dulled his senses until he lost his glory and ended up grinding at a mill like an animal.
3. Too Many Projects
Being “cumbered” with too much work—even good work—saps your anointing. Don’t be like Martha, running in a flying frenzy (Luke 10:38-42). If you have too many irons in the fire, you’ll burn out before you finish your race.
4. Relationship Strife
Arguments and bitterness are “spiritual leeches.” You can spend an hour in prayer, but two minutes of fussing with your spouse will vanish that strength. You cannot afford to lose your peace over an argument.
Conclusion
Learning how to develop a strong spirit is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a successful life. Spiritual strength is a choice and a habit. It’s a Bible fact that you are an overcomer, but you have to train for it.
You don’t have to be a victim of your circumstances. You can build a spirit that is “high-test” enough to land any victory God has promised you.
Next Steps: Pick up your Bible and read the first chapter of Mark right now. You are not a body with a spirit; you are a spirit with an earth suit—make sure the person inside is strong enough to win.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I develop a strong spirit if I’ve been weak for years?
A. Yes! Spiritual growth isn’t automatic based on time; it’s based on nourishment. You can start feeding and exercising today and see results immediately.
Q. Does speaking in tongues mean I have a strong spirit?
A. Not necessarily. Tongues is a great tool, but I’ve seen people who speak in tongues but have very weak spirits. Strength comes from consistent nourishment and exercise.
Q. How do I know if my spirit is weak?
A. Look for signs of despair or hopelessness. If you are crying over every little thing or throwing tantrums and pouting, your spirit is weak. God isn’t moved by self-pity; He’s moved by faith.
Q. What is the best “food” for my spirit?
A. The 100% pure Word of God, specifically the New Testament Epistles and the Gospels. This is “Words of Faith” that builds inner man strength.
Q. Can I “overdose” on the Word of God?
A. Praise God, no! You can “pig out” on the Word with no side effects. The more you eat, the more vibrant and sharp your mind and body will become.
