Weakness
In my quiet time with the Lord this morning, I initially found myself feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because of the weak areas of my life. I don’t know about you but I hate when I mess up, fall short or simply fail at something.
All of us have something in our life that makes us vulnerable, maybe it is anger, worry or an unhealthy addiction. Whatever that weakness is, most of us find ourselves getting frustrated at the lack of victory we seem to have over these personal shortcomings. Well, that was me this morning, praying in despair over my failed attempts to overcome these weak areas of my life.
Somewhere in the middle of my prayer a shift occurred. I found myself thanking God for this weak area of my life. As I began to sing Michael W. Smith song, Breathe, “And I, I’m desperate for you, And I, I'm lost without you…” I realized it was that very weakness in my life that reminded me of my frail humanity and my need for not only a Savior, but my constant need to run to God for help.
The Bible says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9, English Standard Version). It is not a sin to have weaknesses, in fact, Paul boasted about his weaknesses…
What is interesting about 2 Corinthians 12 is Paul speaks about some great visions and revelations he had from God; and although Paul was privileged to have these spiritual encounters, he didn’t brag about them, instead he chose to brag about his weaknesses because he understood those weaknesses made him vulnerable and reliant on the power of Christ in his life.
Now, I am not implying that you will not have victory over weak areas of your life, I am simply saying that your own strength is not enough to overcome that weakness. You need the power of God at work in your life to find victory over that weakness and once you have obtained victory, you will need God’s power to maintain that victory.
As you ponder the weak areas of your life, instead of ignoring or being frustrated about it; choose to respond as Paul did. Run to the Lord…. EVERYTIME you are keenly aware of your weakness. Allow Him to help you overcome it by His grace and power. Be thankful and celebrate your weakness because it makes you DEPENDENT on Him and gives God the opportunity to show His glory and strength through you.