Weakness and Power

“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

Paul clearly saw his weaknesses as necessary for the power of Christ to be revealed. Those who rely on their own inherent strength to serve the Lord will never know the joy of this hidden secret. Our human weakness is the platform from which His glory is revealed! Faith glories in our inabilities and in our willingness to be lead. The carnal man uses weakness as an excuse to not obey God’s leading. But those who live in Him find their weaknesses advantageous to stepping into God’s strength and resources.

“For when I am weak, then I am strong…”
2 Corinthians 12:10

There are graces and resources of God hidden in our weakness. The sling of a young child slew the Goliath of the enemies of God. The source of this victory was God’s grace and the willingness of a young man to obey despite the circumstances.

“He that observeth the wind shall not sow;
and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap”
Ecclesiastes 11:4

Those who rely on their own strength observe the outward conditions with their own eyes; they see the obstacles rather than the divine strength of God. The eleven disciples beheld the storm yet Peter alone ventured into the storm because of the faith of God moving within. It was only when the priests stepped into the Jordan that the power of God parted its flooding banks. It was not until Paul and Barnabas worshipped God that the prison was shaken. Let us not consider our own meager resources in serving our God. Let us not be ones who behold the winds and the clouds – our God is able!

“He that observeth the wind shall not sow…”

As we feel the winds of adversity arising in our land may we still be faithful sowers.

“…he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap”

Let us not fear, let us not restrain our outreach into the world around us – He is able!

Once we recognize our weaknesses in the Spirit of faith we no longer ask God for deliverance from them but recognize that these are the very things through which HE has chosen to make Himself known. Many say “when God strengthens me – THEN I will go forth”. But years pass, weaknesses remain, and this short life ends in the poverty of unbelief. Faith moves. It trusts and knows that God uses the “weak things to confound the wise”!

“For the sake of Christ, then,
I am content with weaknesses…”
2 Corinthians 12:10

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“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak:
for your work shall be rewarded.”
2 Chronicles 15:7

See: Moments of Faith

Brian Troxel

The Shelter

“For thou hast been a shelter for me…”
Psalm 61:3

A shelter must be larger than the one who finds refuge within its walls. His grace is always greater than the reach of our needs. The shelter of Him extends beyond our comprehension. In every circumstance of life, the anchor holds, and His mercies are renewed each morning for the true pilgrim of faith.

He holds us in our failures, our disappointments, and in our night seasons. He holds us in broken relationships, wounding experiences, and failed adventures. When all else fails He remains faithful.

In lonely and desperate times there are resources for us to face the emerging new day. The darkness of night must give way to the dawn’s growing light. Despair will flee in the Light of His countenance. His word beckons the weary one to arise and shine for He will not fail His own (Isaiah 60:1).

“…for a just one falls seven times
and rises up again…”
Proverbs 24:16 (LITV)

The night seasons are given to bring us to greater illumination. In our dependency, upon Him, we are far more intent to learn and be taught of Him. His shelter covers us and unfolds to us a deeper understanding of Him.

“I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me…”
Psalm 16:7 (ESV)

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“And we know that all things work together
for good to them, that love God…”
Romans 8:28

Brian Troxel