“In short cartoons from the 1930s through the 1950s, Popeye would face a problem or villain (often Bluto), do reasonably well for a bit, start getting clobbered or tied up, and only then, when he was on the verge of defeat, pull out his can of spinach. Once swallowed, he would experience instant super strength, quick victory, and a jaunty closing tune.
The Popeye Strategy sounds exactly like the approach believers take when it comes to God the Holy Spirit. Like Popeye without spinach, we often try to face life’s battles in our own strength. We end up beaten down because we are fighting spiritual forces with natural weapons.
We finally cry out for help. But God never intended His in-dwelling Holy Spirit to be our last resort. He is our constant supply.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t just give us a burst of strength in crisis, He indwells us to empower daily obedience, worship, and courage to take our stand. The difference between defeat and victory isn’t us “toughing it out,” but God’s Spirit within us, enabling us to live the life Ezekiel envisioned for God’s people.”
