The source of my power and strength is God, and I know it

Derek Fisher’s words, “The source of my power and strength is God, and I know it, without a shadow of a doubt,” resound with the certainty of one who has tested the fires of life and found his foundation unshakable. He declares not merely belief, but absolute conviction—that beyond the acclaim of the crowd, beyond the victories of the court, lies a higher source from which all true endurance flows. His words remind us that human power is fleeting, but divine strength is eternal, and those who anchor themselves in it cannot be moved.

The origin of this declaration lies in Fisher’s journey as both athlete and man of faith. Known for his resilience and leadership during his years in the NBA, he faced countless challenges: grueling seasons, heartbreaking losses, and even personal trials such as his daughter’s battle with a rare illness. Yet through these storms, he did not claim that his strength was his own. He pointed instead to God, the wellspring from which his courage, perseverance, and steadiness arose. His words stand as a testimony to humility: that greatness is not self-made, but God-given.

History itself is rich with lives that echo this truth. Consider Joan of Arc, the peasant girl who led armies and turned the tide of nations. She did not credit her wisdom or skill, for she had neither training nor power by worldly measure. Instead, she declared her strength was from God, and it was this conviction that gave her the courage to face both battlefields and burning stake. Without such faith, her story would have been impossible; with it, she became immortal in history’s memory.

So too in the life of George Washington, who at Valley Forge saw his soldiers freezing and starving, morale near collapse. In those bleak days, he knelt in prayer, confessing his weakness and seeking God’s aid. His perseverance was not born of pride but of reliance upon divine help. In time, that strength carried a fragile rebellion into a new nation. His faith, like Fisher’s words, shows us that power built on God’s foundation outlasts both fear and failure.

Fisher’s statement also rebukes a modern illusion: that success comes only from self-reliance. The world teaches us to boast of our own will, our own talent, our own perseverance. Yet such power falters when storms come. To root one’s strength in God is to drink from an eternal well that does not run dry. Human will grows weary, but divine grace renews itself with every dawn. This is why Fisher could say with certainty, “without a shadow of a doubt.” His power was not his possession, but God’s gift.

For those who listen, the lesson is clear: do not rely solely upon yourself, for the foundation of self is fragile. Instead, root your courage, your discipline, your endurance in God. When you rise each morning, remember that your breath, your heartbeat, your every opportunity are already gifts. When you falter, remember that God’s strength can uphold what your own cannot bear.

The practical path forward is this: begin each task with prayer, no matter how small, and end each triumph with gratitude. In trials, turn to God first, not last. Give glory to Him when others praise you, and draw strength from Him when others doubt you. In this way, your life, like Fisher’s, will stand as a testimony—not to your power, but to the One who is the source of all power.

Thus let this truth be passed down as wisdom for the generations: the mightiest warriors, the most enduring leaders, the most resilient spirits, are not those who claim their own strength, but those who acknowledge the hand of God as its source. For human greatness passes like smoke, but divine strength endures forever.