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He Is Strong: Devotions for When You Feel Weak
We all feel weak sometimes. He Is Strong encourages you to rest in God’s help and strength for every one of your inadequacies.
Join Emily A. Jensen, bestselling coauthor of Risen Motherhood , on a devotional journey to find God’s strength amid your weakness. Whether you think of yourself as overwhelmed, overlooked, or just not very good at life (or perhaps you avoid facing your own shortcomings), Emily shares relatable stories about her own feelings of weakness and points you to the gospel for wisdom, hope, and comfort. As the familiar hymn says, “They are weak, but he is strong.”
Let these Scripture-filled reflections remind you that Jesus loves you, even in your weakness. You can rely on the strength of God in any challenge you face.
Join Emily A. Jensen, bestselling coauthor of Risen Motherhood , on a devotional journey to find God’s strength amid your weakness. Whether you think of yourself as overwhelmed, overlooked, or just not very good at life (or perhaps you avoid facing your own shortcomings), Emily shares relatable stories about her own feelings of weakness and points you to the gospel for wisdom, hope, and comfort. As the familiar hymn says, “They are weak, but he is strong.”
Let these Scripture-filled reflections remind you that Jesus loves you, even in your weakness. You can rely on the strength of God in any challenge you face.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
85 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Emily A. Jensen
13 books126 followersEmily Jensen and Laura Wifler are in the trenches of motherhood, right alongside their readers. With a combination of accessibility, relatability, and solid Biblical knowledge, Emily and Laura have a knack for simplifying complex Biblical truths, revealing how they relate and apply to everyday life. As the co-founders of the Risen Motherhood ministry, and co-hosts of the chart-topping podcast, God has consistently and powerfully used the voices of these two moms as a vehicle to captivate women around the world with the gospel. As sister-in-laws, Emily and Laura both live in central Iowa with their families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 17, 2023
This book by Emily Jensen invited me to humbly consider my weaknesses while leaning into Christ's strength. With engaging stories and Scripture woven throughout, this devotional will encourage the fainthearted with the hope of their strong, steadfast God.
October 18, 2023
Emily is a gentle, patient friend as she walks you through her experiences with weakness and how the Lord has helped her find strength and rest in the gospel. It’s easy to see her heart right from the beginning, she longs for the reader to find the only true source of peace- Jesus Christ. She is tender and wise as she meditates on scripture, this is definitely one for your nightstand.
March 23, 2024
Such a great devotional read for anyone going through a difficult season and just needing reminders of the many ways the Lord loves you and how his strength truly is shown and made perfect in our weakness
October 18, 2023
Emily Jensen’s devotional is full of truth from scripture that will encourage you in your walk with Christ. Weakness is something that all christians feel, yet few talk about. Emily reminds us that God’s power is perfectly displayed in our weakness, by God’s good design. I’m encouraged by these truths she shares!
June 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this devotional. So so good.
March 11, 2025
I LOVED this devotional. Very practical and applicable, especially to mama’s with littles. I loved the Scripture the author chose to go alongside the devotional and the questions were good and helped me dive deeper.
June 6, 2025
It is so rare to find a beautiful devotional book that is actually filled with truth straight from God’s Word. This was something short and directly applicable to grab when I didn’t have time for a long Bible study session, yet so refreshing to the soul. I loved the focus on God, His strength, His promises, and His love for me. Whether you feel weak in the season you are in or not, I highly recommend this book as an encouragement to your walk with God or as a way to equip you to love others better.
January 21, 2024
What a timely devotional book this was for me. I was able to read an advanced digital copy, and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my pre-ordered hard copy because I plan to read it again more slowly and take time to journal through the questions at the end of each devotional. This is a Biblically sound and incredibly practical book that I highly recommend. Each devotional was an encouraging reminder to look to Jesus in various times of weakness, for He is strong. The devotions are broad enough to apply to women in various stages of life, but specific enough to be very practical in many areas of weakness we might encounter.
December 1, 2023
This is not your average devotional. Right away, through the vulnerability in her writing and her use of Scripture, I could tell writer Emily A. Jensen was going to use the short daily devotions to take readers deep. Deep into our own common weakness and need for a Savior.
Far from common messages that say, “You’re awesome as you are! You’re amazing and doing great! You just need to discover more of yourself and get more self-care!” The message that Jensen is trying to get across to readers is yes, you are weak. But that weakness is a gift that drives us to our knees at the feet of our gracious Savior - we are weak, He is Strong.
Each devotion has a focused verse, but also provides additional Bible passages that the reader is encouraged to study on their own. I found the dependence on scripture evident in each devotion to be unique compared to many devotions that are based on human experience or knowledge. This, along with the meaningful reflection questions after each writing, set this book up to be a valuable addition to daily Bible reading.
I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Far from common messages that say, “You’re awesome as you are! You’re amazing and doing great! You just need to discover more of yourself and get more self-care!” The message that Jensen is trying to get across to readers is yes, you are weak. But that weakness is a gift that drives us to our knees at the feet of our gracious Savior - we are weak, He is Strong.
Each devotion has a focused verse, but also provides additional Bible passages that the reader is encouraged to study on their own. I found the dependence on scripture evident in each devotion to be unique compared to many devotions that are based on human experience or knowledge. This, along with the meaningful reflection questions after each writing, set this book up to be a valuable addition to daily Bible reading.
I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
October 11, 2023
In the midst of challenging weeks, this devotional has been a gift to have on hand. Throughout He Is Strong, Emily shares stories where she has experienced weakness and points you back to Christ, where our strength comes from. At the end of each devotional you’ll find additional reading, along with questions to reflect on your weakness and the Lord’s strength.
Since the devotional is topical (swipe to see the table of contents), you may not read it daily. It reminds me of Every Moment Holy. However, I’m sure you will pick it up frequently as I have. At the end of the book, you will find space to consider what type of weakness you are experiencing, such as living with God-given limitations and signs of sinful behavior. Emily then gives you encouragement on how to move forward however you are struggling in weakness. — 5 ⭐️ Highly recommend!
Since the devotional is topical (swipe to see the table of contents), you may not read it daily. It reminds me of Every Moment Holy. However, I’m sure you will pick it up frequently as I have. At the end of the book, you will find space to consider what type of weakness you are experiencing, such as living with God-given limitations and signs of sinful behavior. Emily then gives you encouragement on how to move forward however you are struggling in weakness. — 5 ⭐️ Highly recommend!
December 18, 2023
One of THEEEEE best devotionals I’ve read yet. One I will pass along and treasure. Really really helpful and thoughtful biblical advice through any season ❤️ weakness isn’t always what it looks like.
November 5, 2023
I don’t typically read a devotional book alongside my daily Bible reading, but when I heard Emily Jensen was writing one (I’m a long time fan of Risen Motherhood!), I knew I wanted to read it. When I saw the opportunity to join the launch team, of course I jumped right on that as well!
At many points in my life I have struggled with feeling weak, and this season of being a mama to two littles (and feeling like some days there just isn’t enough of me to go around) is no exception.
This isn’t a book to pep you up and tell you how strong you are when you’re feeling weak. It’s a book that points again and again and again to the strength of the God we lean on. And *that* is the message I need to remind myself of often.
At many points in my life I have struggled with feeling weak, and this season of being a mama to two littles (and feeling like some days there just isn’t enough of me to go around) is no exception.
This isn’t a book to pep you up and tell you how strong you are when you’re feeling weak. It’s a book that points again and again and again to the strength of the God we lean on. And *that* is the message I need to remind myself of often.
October 16, 2023
This was timely, encouraging, and a continual reminder that my weakness does not disqualify me from partnering with the Lord. One of my favorite quotes, “It’s helpful to know that no strength of your own brought you into the kingdom of God, so no lack of strength, intelligence, talent, productivity, or reputation will push you out. It’s all by grace, through faith, so that no one gets bragging rights. It’s all Christ. It’s up to us to receive His gifts and use them to delight in and serve our God.” Short, bite sized devos that were encouraging and challenging. Highly recommend.
January 30, 2024
I have been a fan of Emily Jensen (and her sister-in-law Laura Wifler) for years via Risen Motherhood. Jensen is a talented writer and this foray into solo authorship did not disappoint.
In “He Is Strong,” Jensen explores different feelings of weakness - both those we can’t control and those we can - and looks at them through a Gospel lens. How does the Bible address it? How can we seek the Holy Spirit’s help in response?
Jensen book ends the “when you’re feeling weak” set of 30 devotions with a dive into the classic hymn “Jesus Loves Me” (it’s not just for kids!). I personally enjoyed this connection because I have felt the words of that song at new depths in weak points in my own life - namely, singing it to my newborn daughter through tears while she recovered from birth complications in the NICU. I’ve never felt “we are weak, but he is strong” so keenly or been so thankful that he IS strong when we are weak.
This book is chock full of encouragement and gently prodding challenge and I am sure it will be one I go back to again and again in the future!
In “He Is Strong,” Jensen explores different feelings of weakness - both those we can’t control and those we can - and looks at them through a Gospel lens. How does the Bible address it? How can we seek the Holy Spirit’s help in response?
Jensen book ends the “when you’re feeling weak” set of 30 devotions with a dive into the classic hymn “Jesus Loves Me” (it’s not just for kids!). I personally enjoyed this connection because I have felt the words of that song at new depths in weak points in my own life - namely, singing it to my newborn daughter through tears while she recovered from birth complications in the NICU. I’ve never felt “we are weak, but he is strong” so keenly or been so thankful that he IS strong when we are weak.
This book is chock full of encouragement and gently prodding challenge and I am sure it will be one I go back to again and again in the future!
February 25, 2024
✨Top Non-fiction Read for the year✨
He Is Strong was exactly the book I needed to read. After months and honestly, years, of struggle and feeling weak, this book came along side me and pointed me directly to the strength of Christ.
Emily’s writing style and personal struggles mirror my own, so it was like hearing from a kindred spirit. I felt so seen and encouraged. Each chapter discusses a different way we might feel weakness. Even the chapters I didn’t think would apply to me as much were still very encouraging.
Technically this book is a devotional, though you could read it at a faster pace. I, however, did a chapter a day and settled into the scripture and reflection questions at the end of each chapter. They were thoughtful and great points to meditate on through the day.
All in all, I loved this book and would highly recommend it. It would also make a great gift! It’s beautiful inside and out!
He Is Strong was exactly the book I needed to read. After months and honestly, years, of struggle and feeling weak, this book came along side me and pointed me directly to the strength of Christ.
Emily’s writing style and personal struggles mirror my own, so it was like hearing from a kindred spirit. I felt so seen and encouraged. Each chapter discusses a different way we might feel weakness. Even the chapters I didn’t think would apply to me as much were still very encouraging.
Technically this book is a devotional, though you could read it at a faster pace. I, however, did a chapter a day and settled into the scripture and reflection questions at the end of each chapter. They were thoughtful and great points to meditate on through the day.
All in all, I loved this book and would highly recommend it. It would also make a great gift! It’s beautiful inside and out!
December 27, 2023
I'm positive there has never been a devo that has pulled thoughts out of my very head and shown me how to speak to them through scripture as well as He is Strong. How many of us sang Jesus loves me in our lifetime? In this 30-day devotion, Emily Jensen walks us through all the ways that we may feel inadequate and weak. And all the more ways that Jesus is more than adequate and strong. Emily does a phenomenal job bringing in real life situations and tying it back to the gospel showing us that our strength is in Christ alone. My only wish for this book was that it was more than 30 days. This will be in a constant rotation during my quiet time. What a beautiful work of art!
October 13, 2023
Emily does a beautiful job of weaving gospel truth into moments of weakness with reminders of where to gather our strength. This is a devotional every woman needs to read regardless her season of life, it’s relatable and encouraging and was such a fruitful read.
November 29, 2023
To all the women who wouldn’t read a book about being weak:
As a woman who has only very recently identified as weak (I spent 26 years or so feeling very delusionally capable), I know how you feel when you pick up a book about weakness and think it’s not for you. “This book must be for THOSE kinds of women, the kind who are insecure and not confident in who they are.”
No, my friend, this book is for the church. Admittedly, I was drawn to the book for myself, excited to find out what the Bible has to say about weakness now that the Lord has finally given me eyes to see how incompetent and powerless I am. I was disappointed then at first to see that this book is about a lot of kinds of weakness, most of which I can’t currently identify with.
But listening to the whole book, I realized two things:
1. There are many kinds of weakness I don’t feel now, but will likely experience in my life some day.
2. There are many kinds of weakness that I don’t think about, that are likely plaguing my beloved brothers and sisters in the church.
So Emily’s book not only spoke to me in the chapters that were relevant to me, but equipped me with truth and compassion for ministering to the saints in my life. It also prepared me with Scriptures I will need to keep in mind for when I inevitably face new weaknesses, like chronic pain or memory loss.
This is the kind of practical book that will sit on your shelf and get referenced over the years as you have conversations about weakness with loved ones. It was a valuable listen now, and would make a great gift to anyone who loves the local church.
Also, Emily has a great voice to listen to, perhaps that’s a given with the Risen Motherhood podcast, but not all authors end up being good audiobook narrators, so I was pleased to find she was!
As a woman who has only very recently identified as weak (I spent 26 years or so feeling very delusionally capable), I know how you feel when you pick up a book about weakness and think it’s not for you. “This book must be for THOSE kinds of women, the kind who are insecure and not confident in who they are.”
No, my friend, this book is for the church. Admittedly, I was drawn to the book for myself, excited to find out what the Bible has to say about weakness now that the Lord has finally given me eyes to see how incompetent and powerless I am. I was disappointed then at first to see that this book is about a lot of kinds of weakness, most of which I can’t currently identify with.
But listening to the whole book, I realized two things:
1. There are many kinds of weakness I don’t feel now, but will likely experience in my life some day.
2. There are many kinds of weakness that I don’t think about, that are likely plaguing my beloved brothers and sisters in the church.
So Emily’s book not only spoke to me in the chapters that were relevant to me, but equipped me with truth and compassion for ministering to the saints in my life. It also prepared me with Scriptures I will need to keep in mind for when I inevitably face new weaknesses, like chronic pain or memory loss.
This is the kind of practical book that will sit on your shelf and get referenced over the years as you have conversations about weakness with loved ones. It was a valuable listen now, and would make a great gift to anyone who loves the local church.
Also, Emily has a great voice to listen to, perhaps that’s a given with the Risen Motherhood podcast, but not all authors end up being good audiobook narrators, so I was pleased to find she was!
October 25, 2023
Where can you go when you feel weak? In He Is Strong, Emily A. Jensen shares devotions to remind you that you can rely on the strength and love of Jesus.
Jensen defines weakness as a lack -- something that we don't have that we want or need for life. This book looks at the many types and experiences of weakness while pointing us back to God.
Emotional and Physical
I was personally encouraged in Ch. 6: When You Feel Bad at Life. Jensen takes us to Ephesians 2:10, showing that while we fall short of perfection, believers receive grace and can walk by faith. I was reminded that I was made for good works that God prepared beforehand so that I could walk in them.
While I leaned towards the chapters describing emotional weakness, Jensen does not forget those who experience physical feelings of weakness. She has specific chapters for those who are feeling sick, for those whose mind is fading, and when you're super tired. She reminds us that Jesus also experienced physical weakness, and we can rest in God who does not tire or grow weary.
Strength Will Rise
I was most moved to read Ch. 21: When You Want to Be the Best. In relatable terms, Jensen says that while we might fall short of the world's brand of greatness, true greatness is still available as we know and serve Christ. And pointedly, she tells us that we must turn back to Christ -- the only influencer who leads to true life.
Jensen concludes by reminding us that Jesus came to save the weak, small, sick, and lost in this world. This is a beautiful book to help you see that strength will rise as you wait upon the Lord.
I received a media copy of He Is Strong and this is my honest review.
Jensen defines weakness as a lack -- something that we don't have that we want or need for life. This book looks at the many types and experiences of weakness while pointing us back to God.
Emotional and Physical
I was personally encouraged in Ch. 6: When You Feel Bad at Life. Jensen takes us to Ephesians 2:10, showing that while we fall short of perfection, believers receive grace and can walk by faith. I was reminded that I was made for good works that God prepared beforehand so that I could walk in them.
While I leaned towards the chapters describing emotional weakness, Jensen does not forget those who experience physical feelings of weakness. She has specific chapters for those who are feeling sick, for those whose mind is fading, and when you're super tired. She reminds us that Jesus also experienced physical weakness, and we can rest in God who does not tire or grow weary.
Strength Will Rise
I was most moved to read Ch. 21: When You Want to Be the Best. In relatable terms, Jensen says that while we might fall short of the world's brand of greatness, true greatness is still available as we know and serve Christ. And pointedly, she tells us that we must turn back to Christ -- the only influencer who leads to true life.
Jensen concludes by reminding us that Jesus came to save the weak, small, sick, and lost in this world. This is a beautiful book to help you see that strength will rise as you wait upon the Lord.
I received a media copy of He Is Strong and this is my honest review.
May 10, 2024
The lovely Salome lent this book to me. Every chapter is a human example of weakness and then how Christ meets this lack. Super encouraging to be pointed to scripture and see the complete sufficiency of God there especially when my mental health hasn't been the best. Very grateful for my church and this little act of kindness.
"There's a lot of garden imagery in the Bible, and for good reason. God has written principles for life into all creation, and we see the way he works in the way plants are designed. The need for thinning, pinching, and pruning helps us understand why God reaches into our lives and makes a cut. As we feel weakened and frail and become familiar with loss, suffering, and waiting, we can grow discouraged. Initially, pruning and pinching seem to hurt a plant. But just as these techniques ultimately force more growth, God uses our struggles seasons of sorrow and weakness, persecution or pain, deferred dreams and lost hopes— to encourage growth in us that leads to good fruit. Sometimes God makes us weak so we might become strong."
"There's a lot of garden imagery in the Bible, and for good reason. God has written principles for life into all creation, and we see the way he works in the way plants are designed. The need for thinning, pinching, and pruning helps us understand why God reaches into our lives and makes a cut. As we feel weakened and frail and become familiar with loss, suffering, and waiting, we can grow discouraged. Initially, pruning and pinching seem to hurt a plant. But just as these techniques ultimately force more growth, God uses our struggles seasons of sorrow and weakness, persecution or pain, deferred dreams and lost hopes— to encourage growth in us that leads to good fruit. Sometimes God makes us weak so we might become strong."
October 12, 2023
A truly unique and timely devo that touches on so many aspects of life in which we must be reminded of God's strength in our weakness. At times I felt like I was reading my own story on the pages. The book is divided into 30 devotion topics about specific circumstances in life "When you...." feel weakness physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. Some devotionals tend to be very "me me me" in their personal story telling, so I especially valued the way Emily intentionally wrote with vulnerability, while always turning the focus to the Lord's strength in every situation. BONUS: the cover of this book is aesthetically beautiful and I love how it looks displayed on my shelf!
October 10, 2023
He is Strong is a realistic look at our day to day, acknowledging our incapabilities to “do it all”. I appreciate the thought and process put into each devotion. Emily approaches issues like “When You’re at Capacity” or “When You’re Exhausted by Grief” with an empathy that speaks volumes. She acknowledges the reality of life, how we fall into different modes of thinking that cause us to take our eyes off our Great Defender. She points us back to Christ, our true source of strength in the face of weakness. We are weak, but he is strong.
October 18, 2023
I’ve loved Emily and the ministry she partners with at RisenMotherhood for years. Her writings never cease to bring the encouragement and truth I need to hear each and every time! I couldn’t wait to dive into this book when I heard she was writing her own. I have loved how personalized you can make this devotion based on what you might be facing in your season/ day. There truly is something for every hardship where we may feel “weak” in life or motherhood. These devotions are quick yet rich in gospel centered truth. Go ahead and add this to your cart right now for you and a friend ;)
July 5, 2024
“Jesus spoke the truth: He is the way, the truth, and the life; he is the good shepherd and welcomes weak, hurting, needy sheep-those who know their need of him.
Because of this, we can let the chorus of the hymn ‘Jesus Loves Me’ wash over us again and again. Through frustration, through tears, in a whisper, or belted out loud. In hard days, weeks, or decades. We can sing,
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.”
2024 A book recommended by a friend
Because of this, we can let the chorus of the hymn ‘Jesus Loves Me’ wash over us again and again. Through frustration, through tears, in a whisper, or belted out loud. In hard days, weeks, or decades. We can sing,
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.”
2024 A book recommended by a friend
December 24, 2023
WOW. Do yourself a favor and read this devotional book. Each of the 30 devotions takes a look at a different way that we as humans (and primarily as women) can feel weak. Sometimes we feel weak because of sin in our lives. Sometimes we feel weak because of how this life is on planet earth. My life has been changed. The way I interact with God has been changed. I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's one that I know I will re-read.
May 15, 2024
I really liked this devotional!! Written by one half of the risen motherhood team, but this book is not at all limited to moms. Each day focuses on a different way we might feel weak (relatable!!!), and then counters with scripture and attributes of God that are strong.
I’d really probably give 4.5 stars, and would recommend for sure. It’s a 30 day devotional, so not a huge commitment. Also would make a lovely gift (the cover is so pretty!!) 💛
I’d really probably give 4.5 stars, and would recommend for sure. It’s a 30 day devotional, so not a huge commitment. Also would make a lovely gift (the cover is so pretty!!) 💛
April 25, 2025
I received this book as a gift from a dear sister in Christ. Started on this with an open mind even though I didn’t exactly resonate with the idea that I was weak, but as I pored through the pages, I found myself resonating so much with what the author was sharing. This book actually offers solid biblical content and not just some feely fluffy ideas. I really appreciate the content so much as it encouraged me to reflect and continually point me back to Jesus & the Bible. This was a solid devo!
November 20, 2023
Sound, biblical encouragement. Read this during a particularly hard month of disciplining a 3-year-old and feeling very weak in my own lack of wisdom, patience, and self-control. Some favorites:
"When You Feel Like a Low Achiever"
"When You Want to Be the Best"
"When You Think It's Up to You"
"When You Put Yourself Out There"
"When You Don't See the Point"
"When You Feel Like a Low Achiever"
"When You Want to Be the Best"
"When You Think It's Up to You"
"When You Put Yourself Out There"
"When You Don't See the Point"
December 31, 2024
I’m never quite sure how to use topical devotionals. Ideally I’d want to read the chapters when I feel the need for their topic, but that’s not very practical. So, I just read this straight through. I don’t think it hit as deeply as it would if I’d read each chapter right when I was experiencing the specific weakness it spoke of. But it was still encouraging.
August 24, 2025
This devotional was so encouraging and faithfully pointed me to Christ as the true source of strength and satisfaction in a number of different scenarios where one might feel weak. I also appreciated further scripture to read for each entry as well as prompts to consider our weakness and Christ’s strength. Highly recommend!
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