Weakness

October 25th – John 1:16

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John 1:16

We all sin against God daily. And not just once, but multiple times each day. Some sins we are fully aware of, some we commit without knowing. Thankfully, for those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we have access to an endless, overflowing source of God’s unmerited favor and love. Through Christ’s death and Resurrection, we are now reconciled back to our Father. That means no matter how many times we screw up, how many times we need forgiveness, when we come before Him with a truly repentant heart God is faithful. Faithful to not only to forgive but forget our transgressions. Never again to remember them nor hold them against us. (Ps. 103:12) For His love, mercy, and goodness are boundless. And His grace is continually poured over us. Always available to help us overcome challenges and give us strength in our weaknesses. Allowing us to live with confidence, gratitude, and an unwavering trust in His abundant love and blessings.

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October 22nd – Psalm 37:11

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Psalm 37:11

The biblical definition of meekness is often described as strength under control. Not to be confused with weakness, being meek involves humility and a gentle attitude. It is a character trait characterized by self-control, patience, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. Meek individuals are often seen as teachable, adaptable, and willing to endure hardships without seeking revenge or retaliation. It’s a quality of love, kindness, and a lack of arrogance. And for for those who live a life of meekness, they’ll receive an abundance of blessings. First we will inherit the earth, a promise that speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. And on that earth we will live in peace, justice, and harmony. Through faith and meekness, we can partake in God’s abundant promises. And will experience a world where abundance is not just material wealth but a flourishing of the soul, marked by tranquility, righteousness, and a deep sense of contentment.

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March 18th – 2 Corinthians 12:10

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2 Corinthians 12:10

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. Because whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear. Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He’ll do just that. But what happens when His answer is no? It’s then Paul tells us to rejoice for the blessing of our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Often it’s at our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Because our weakness is an opportunity for God to work through us and show His strength. And by surrendering all to God, relying on His might rather than our own, not only can we deepen our relationship with Him, we can find joy in difficult circumstances because they allow us to experience His power in a unique way.

 

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March 13th – 1 Corinthians 10:13

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1 Corinthians 10:13

Evangelist Billy Sunday once said, “Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” Temptations are everywhere, and not even the strongest Christian is immune to their pull. But thankfully we have the blessing of knowing that God will never let Satan tempt us beyond our ability to resist. And by turning to Him when we are at our weakest, we can resist any enticement. Through prayer we can ask God for strength and wisdom. By studying His Word we can gain God’s insight to help us overcome. And through the mighty power of His Spirit living inside of us, we can discern right from wrong. We serve a God who knows firsthand the temptation of sin. So when when Satan is enchanting us to wickedness, by turning to God and fellow believers we can turn aside from sin. And we can be victorious, living a life that is pleasing to God.

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January 21st – 2 Corinthians 12:9

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2 Corinthians 12:9

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. For whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear.  Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He will do just that. But what happens when His answer is no?  What if instead He wants us to endure? Paul tells us we are to rejoice in our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Instead of becoming bitter, angry, or frustrated, Paul embraced the thorns in his life. He understood that it was in his weakness where Jesus would be glorified, and where he would most experience God’s grace. It’s often in our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Although we might not understand why God allows suffering into our lives, we can rest in the knowledge that when trouble does knock at our door He will be there.

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December 1st – Psalm 6:2

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Psalm 6:2

One of the things I love most about the Psalms is the way they convey the hurts, joys, hopes, and sorrows of every Christian. And in Psalm 6, the pain David feels resonates deep inside my heart. Because I too know the anguish of sinning against God. The brokenness of realizing what a mess I’ve made, and the despair of the consequences that are sure to follow. Like David, I have felt the wretchedness that comes from disobedience to God. How the shame literally manifests into physical pain, from deep in my heart to deep in my bones. But also like David, I trust in the mercy, promises, and love of God. I know that even though I’m not, God is good all of the time. The Lord knows my heart. And when I come bowed before Him in humility, He sees my sorrow. And in my repentance, He graciously welcomes me back to a place I don’t deserve; into His loving arms. Restoring me with all joy and peace, and abounding me in hope! (Rom. 15:13)

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July 20th – Proverbs 17:17

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Proverbs 17:17

Playwright Oscar Wide once said, “The burden of this world is too great for one man to bear, and the world’s sorrow too heavy for one heart to suffer.” It’s said you find out who your real friends are when you’re at your lowest. They are the ones who not only stay through the bad times, they offer to help carry the load. And if that load is due to falling in sin, they follow the words of Paul restoring, “such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” (Gal. 6:1) Real friends set aside their pride. For they know we all fall short daily, have moments of weakness, and need help from time to time. As Christians being a servant of the Lord is a great honor. But Jesus gives us an even greater honor by calling us friends. Therefore, from joyful hearts filled with thankfulness and love, may we mimic the friendship of Jesus to a hurting world, And, “while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” (Gal. 6:10)

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May 28th – Isaiah 40:29

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Isaiah 40:29

One of the greatest qualities of God is His long suffering kindness. No matter how we May fail Him, He never withholds His goodness and love. And as Christians we need to reflect that same goodness and love to the world around us. But to be able to do this takes daily work on our part. Work to cast aside the pull of worldly desires, and put on the righteousness of Jesus. Hard to do on our own. Thankfully, we never need worry about accomplishing our goals in our own power. For God in His unmerited love, gives to us all we need to perform any task set before us. He gives strength to the weary, and power to the powerless. So put your trust in Him. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (2 Cor. 1:25)

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May 19th – 2 Corinthians 12:10

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2 Corinthians 12:10

Human nature tells us that when others hurt us we need to retaliate. To give just as good as we get. But Jesus says that as Christians we don’t follow the fray. And we should rejoice when suffering for Him because it’s one of the greatest blessings we can receive. Look at the apostle Paul. He experienced much tribulation for his faith. Yet he was content with the horrible things he suffered. Why? Because Paul knew that it was when he was at his weakest, he could feel the power of God the strongest. That’s the amazing blessing God speaks of. The blessing of peace and even joy when facing suffering. For in our own power we are easily defeated. But when we rest in God’s, nothing is impossible. Because no matter the trial, the grace Jesus gives us is sufficient for everything we face.

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May 1st – 1 Chronicles 16:11-12

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1 Chronicles 16:11-12

I’m in the process of recovering from surgery, and its been harder then I thought it would be. I’m also not ashamed to say being laid up has provided an easy path of self pity to travel. But I’m determined not to let those feelings take up permanent residence. Instead in my weakness I will seek God’s strength. In my doubt I will marvel at the mighty wonders He was already performed in my life. And in my hardships I will take comfort knowing God is always with me, providing blessings along the way. We all face times of suffering, and experience challenges. But how wonderful it is to know there is nothing we have to go through alone. So seek God’s face, and lean on His strength. And let His love, peace, and guidance see you safely through every storm.

Today I encourage you to pause, just for a moment, and think of a time when you felt God’s presence. Did he carry you through a rough time? How did that experience effect your relationship with Him?

May 1st – 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 Read More »