When I Am Weak, I Am Strong
Pine Valley United Methodist Church Pastor Tim’s sermon resonated with me last Sunday. It was part of our “Less Stress In Our Mess” series. I thought of the tough times in my life, and I can easily see where and how God worked on me during that time. I remember after some of the toughest times in my life telling God ” Thank You” for what He brought from that time. My faith was strengthened because I knew I had to depend on Him - things were totally out of my control. As I continued to see the good God brought from these tough times, my faith grew. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, ‘...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Soon I was able to thank Him for the tough times in the midst of the hardship. I think this is why Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite verses. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Had I been strong enough to handle these times, I would not have grown in God. I am strong because I am weak. I think about this a lot during this time of uncertainty with COVID, riots, hurricanes, and the other stresses in life. I know God is working, and instead of thinking about all of the negative, I try to thank Him for what He is doing. I try to watch for the revival that I believe is coming! And I am seeing a lot of lives changing!
Pastor Tim said in order to find strength in our weakness; we must surrender, acknowledging that we cannot do life alone. We need God. 2 Corinthians 12:8, "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.’” Paul had been struggling with “a thorn in his side,” and he had begged God three times to take it away. He heard the Holy Spirit tell him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Whatever this “thorn” was, it kept Paul dependent on God through his weakness. Our “thorn” may be the COVID; it may be a relationship; it may be our finances, an addiction, overcommitment, something we have caused; it may be our job, etc. Many things in life can make us dependent on God because we know we are not in control.
Paul knew that the worst thing he could do was become arrogant. He knew it was more important for him to keep humble than it was to make him comfortable, so God allowed the thorn to go on. God knew that time of being “uncomfortable” was not as important as the threat of spiritual pride. 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." Paul knew that it was God who gave him the strength, and he would give God the glory!
When we are feeling great and confident, in ourselves, the devil is getting the glory. When it looks like our business is going well, our finances are great, we have gotten the perfect job, we are the best in our sport, we have this or that, etc., we have to be careful of becoming arrogant. It is the time when we feel weak and helpless that we come to God and plead with Him for the strength to go on. We plead for His grace to get us through. This is when we are strong because the Kingdom of God is being shown to others.
We give him our weakness, then by his grace, He gives us His strength. So many of you may be feeling weak today. That’s the best place to be because now the power of Christ can work through you. So don’t despise your weakness, but, like Paul, boast, or rejoice in it. For when we are weak, we are strong! We may appear to be weak, but when we rely on God, we are actually strong because our strength comes from God! Throughout the Bible, we see this with Joseph, Moses, Esther, Joshua in the battle of Jericho, David against Goliath, and others. This is also your story and mine. God uses our weaknesses to show His extraordinary power! He is greater than our weakness! As Max Lucado said, “I think it is our weakness that reveals how great God is.” I love the quote by Lecrae, “I’m not a Christian because I’m strong and have it all together. I’m a Christian because I’m weak and admit I need a Savior.” As we go through this week, let’s embrace God’s strength in our weakness. Use Psalm 22:19 as a prayer. “But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” Let His power carry you through life’s tough times!