Previously in God My Strength, we discussed the source of our strength being our relationship with God and looked at the Kind of Strength God Gives Us. If God’s desire for strength in us, is characterised by an increased ability to trust Him and His promises, then it has got nothing to do with finding strength within ourselves.
In fact, if we find strength in ourselves, it is not strength at all, because it is based on trusting in ourselves and not trusting God.
God is the source of strength. The only way to access this strength then, is in weakness and in total dependence.
This weakness is described perfectly by Paul:
“…for because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:7-10)
God’s power is only reflected perfectly WHEN we are weak
- This perfect reflection is the same as glorified. God is only glorified, shown to be strong and powerful, when we are weak, when there is nothing we can boast of, in and of ourselves.
“Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Cor 1:31)
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” (2 Cor 11:30)
His grace is sufficient, it gives us everything we need for life
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3)
Phil 4:13 “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Eph 6:10 “Be strong in the Lord and in His might power.”
When You are weak, follow the same strategy as David who loved the Lord. Seek out a revelation of God, where His strength and goodness is revealed to you and you are totally convinced of His sovereignty.
When You recognize your total dependence on the Lord, you recognize His strength, your weakness, then ask for strength.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
What is Joy: an inward confidence in God’s love and goodness that gives strength no matter what.
It is what Paul and Silas experienced in Acts: sitting in jail, they plugged into the strength of the Lord. In Worship, they focused on who He was. In thanksgiving, they recognised His sovereignty and goodness. They worshipped as they increased their faith, trusting their lives over to Him in total dependence on Him.
God’s response was: He moved for their benefit.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Thank You Lord that when I am weak, have no strength, have no resources, have no-one, or no-thing to rely on, is actually when I am best positioned to display your strength and power to the world. Then You can actually step in and show the world that You are a strong, powerful and mighty God who cares for Your children and never leaves them without hope. Thank you for showing me this in Your word. Thank you that even though I am weak, my confidence does not lie in myself, but in You.
What Kind of Strength Does God Give Us
Walking In High Heels
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