The older I get I have to face the fact that I don’t have as much strength as I used too. It’s hard to admit something like that because I would be the first to jump in on hard tasks and stay with it until the project was done.
Now I take time to rest.
This morning I was really encouraged by a verse I have known and quoted for years.
“My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. 10 Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10 CEV
Paul knew about being stretched beyond his natural strength. It seems everywhere he went there were people who wanted to imprison him, mistreat him and even kill him. He would overcome in one situation only to face another one.
God gave him amazing insight and he shared it with us.
It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through a tough time. If we begin to look to closely at the situation it will begin to seem overwhelming. It’s important to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.
The children of Egypt saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation. Paul saw persecution and God saw an opportunity to show up with strength and provision.
Do you see things as hopeless, do you see defeat?
I really liked this picture of father and son flexing their muscles. It’s an image of proper perspective. I know the son probably thinks he’s strong and he can handle things on his own but once he sees dad’s muscles, he realizes that it’s better to get help from someone who loves him and has the greater strength.
“ Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV
What the Lord revealed to Paul was he wasn’t on his own. Neither are we. We have the Father’s promise to never leave us or abandon us. Jesus told his disciples to “ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you will find”.
“ Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks.” Ephesians 6:10-11 CEV
What has you feeling weak and disabled this morning? Let the Lord give you what you need to be strong.
Remember, Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection and that same power, resurrection power has been placed within us.
“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trusted him with all my heart. He helped me, so I am happy. I sing songs of praise to him. 8 The Lord protects his chosen one. He saves him and gives him strength.” Psalm 28:7-8 ERV
No matter the obstacle, no matter the circumstance, our Father will be there to give us the added strength we need!