Ancient pilgrims sang Psalms of Ascent (120–134) as they journeyed to Jerusalem. They saw pagan shrines and temples on the mountains along the way. Gazing on Mount Moriah, however, they saw the Temple.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from?” the pilgrims asked. It was a good question since the pagan shrines and temples made tempting offers of aid.

Instead, the pilgrims proclaimed, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2).

The Hebrew word translated “help” is ezer. It first appears in Genesis 2:18,20 where it describes Eve as a “helper suitable for” Adam. It does not imply a wife is her husband’s subordinate, however.

Elsewhere, ezer describes military allies (Isaiah 30:5) and officers (Ezekiel 12:14).

Most commonly, ezer describes God (Exodus 18:15; Deuteronomy 12:7,26,29; Hosea 13:9), especially in Psalms (20:2; 33:20; 70:5; 115:9–11; 121:1–2; 146:5).

God bestows “strength” (ezer) on the king (Psalm 89:19) and upon the faithful who are in tough situations (Daniel 11:34).

An ezer is a force multiplier, in other words, helping those who need it.

Different Circumstances

Around the world, Assemblies of God believers find themselves in different circumstances.

In October, Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica. Winds gusted 185 miles per hour. Scores of residents died, and 77% had no electricity. 

Economic losses totaled one-third of Jamaica’s GDP. More than 100,000 acres of farmland and 1 million animals were destroyed.

Jamaican AG churches, though impacted by the storm, distributed aid to tens of thousands in partnership with AG World Missions and Convoy of Hope.

In November, armed insurgents attacked an Assemblies of God church in Nigeria’s Kebbi state, kidnapping 11 believers, part of a larger trend of violence against Christians in the country’s north-central region.

Some kidnappers had economic motives, as that region is experiencing hunger and food insecurity. Others persecuted Christians specifically because of their religion.

In the U.S., the Assemblies of God started growing again after experiencing declines in attendance and adherence during the pandemic. 

From 2023–24, adherence rose 2.5%, Spirit baptisms 3.9%, membership 4.1%, in-person attendance 6.2%, conversions 10%, water baptisms 12.1%, and new church charters 33.6%.

Christians are tempted to associate the Church’s strength with its circumstances. But Jamaican and Nigerian believers are not weak because of natural disaster and persecution, any more than U.S. believers are strong because of growth.

The Church’s strength does not lie in its circumstances, whether good or bad. Our help “comes from the Lord” (Psalm 121:2).

Consider five realities that shape the Church’s strength.

Foundation

First, the Church’s strength is its Foundation, not its numbers.

“No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

This truth is an important reminder in the U.S. I thank God for our renewed growth.

But size, wealth, and influence are not necessarily a divine reward, but they are always a missional responsibility. The Lord gives us them to extend His kingdom.

If we trust Jesus rather than our circumstances, we can endure whatever comes our way. Our strength comes from building on the rock of Christ’s Person and teaching (Matthew 7:24–29).

Cultures change, governments fall, trends fade — but Jesus remains the same.

Power

Second, the power of the Holy Spirit is the strength of the Church.

The Church’s strength today is not found in buildings or programs but the living presence of Christ among His people.

The New Testament church did not have the resources American Christians have. In Acts 3:6, Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

The early Church’s strength wasn’t human power, wealth, or church-growth strategy. It was Spirit empowerment (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:43; 4:33; 6:8; 19:20).

No wonder early Pentecostals emphasized Zechariah 4:6: “‘Not by might nor by power’” — that is, human might and power — “‘but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

The Spirit who fell at Pentecost works in the Church today — reviving, empowering, and sending. He continues to provide courage to witness, comfort in persecution, and discernment in confusion.

Unity

Third, unity is the strength of the Church.

Jesus prayed for the Christians that “all of them may be one.” This reflected God’s internal unity — “just as you [the Father] are in me and I am in you.” It also strengthened mission. “May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Division weakens, but unity strengthens. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

The Church united with God and one another becomes an unstoppable force of love, compassion, and truth.

Mission

Fourth, mission strengthens the Church.

An unused muscle atrophies over time. So does the Church’s mission. So, use it or lose!

Jesus gave the Twelve this commission: “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:7–8).

Missional Christians proclaim the gospel in word and deed. We evangelize and disciple. We also minister to people’s physical and material needs.

Mission keeps the Church alive and vibrant. The Church is always stronger when it sends and serves. It grows strong when we look outward, not inward.

Endurance

Fifth, the Church’s strength is revealed through endurance.

John described himself as our “brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (Revelation 1:9). We like the Kingdom, but suffering and endurance? We don’t like them at all.

And yet, suffering and endurance are part and parcel of following Christ.

Paul reminded Timothy: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings … ” (2 Timothy 3:10–11).

Then Paul extrapolated from his experience: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (verse 12).

Shortsighted Christianity doesn’t know what to make of Paul. Farsighted faith does. Empires rise and fall, but the Church endures through time, persecution, and cultural shift.

Resurrection is the Church’s story — setbacks followed by rising again through the power of Christ.

Therefore, let us receive Paul’s charge to Timothy as our own: “Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).

Conclusion

The Church’s strength today is not found in buildings or programs but the living presence of Christ among His people.

We may be challenged, but when Christ is present, we will not be defeated.

During seasons of discipline, we may be pruned, but since Christ is with us, we will bear greater fruit.

The world may pressure us through ostracism and persecution, but when we are weak, Christ is strong, and so we are strong in Him.

And because Jesus promised to build His Church, the gates of hell will not — cannot! — prevail against us (Matthew 16:18).

As we begin this new year, then, let us find our strength in Him!