Weaknesses are something that has been looked down on in every culture in all of history. No one wants to be know as weak or have weaknesses. Being strong is more impressive and more sought after. Even Charles Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” theory tries to convince us that those who are weak will not survive, but those who are strong will prevail in the end.
Through Christ we are forced to look our weaknesses right in the eye. We are shown that we have no strength on our own, and that any strength we do have comes from God. It is freeing to know that if I don’t have the strength to accomplish something, that I don’t have to fear or feel unqualified or unequipped. In Christ I have the strength I need to accomplish anything, especially all that he has called me to do.
Feeling weak is not something that any of us enjoy. We don’t want to feel like we can’t handle what is right in front of us. However, that is exactly how God wants us to feel. He wants us to realize that in our broken human condition we do not have the strength to accomplish things on our own. That is exactly what God is communicating to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9:“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me”. God’s power and glory is best shown through our weaknesses. When we admit that we are weak on our own and live with that mindset, it gives us the opportunity to show the world where true strength comes from, and the freedom of knowing that we do not have to be strong. Christ gives us all the strength we need to do and be all that God has for us. If there is anything that he wants us to do or to accomplish, he will give us the strength to accomplish it. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). I do not have the power to live this Christian life myself. I do not have the wisdom or strength required to live out all that Christ has commanded. It should bring us great relief that we do not have to strive after building up our own strength, when Christ is right there ready to build up his strength in us.
Are you feeling weak or tired or striving after strength you do not feel you possess? Confront your weaknesses and admit them. Take heart in that fact that you can let go of trying to gain strength. Bring them to God and ask him for the strength that you desire, and he will provide all that you need. Do not forget - his power works best through our weaknesses.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)
Комментарии