Even people who consider themselves strong have times when they feel down, weak, and overwhelmed by life. When problems attach to feelings of being burdened down continue on an on, we begin to understand that our ability to control and change things is very limited. This helpless feeling may push us toward wanting to give up and quit.
At this point, we come to a crossroads where we must make a choice about the direction we will go. We can beat ourselves up over our weaknesses, choices, and words spoken or not spoken-and then continue on the road to self-pity, self-hate, or blame, which leads to emotional and spiritual defeat. Or we can choose to turn to Jesus, because He accepts and loves us just as we are, even in our weakest state.
In fact, being weak has its spiritual perks, because in this state we know we can’t do or fix anything by ourselves. We desperately need Him and desperation pushes us toward Him as we realize that He is our hope and the help we need to continue on in our daily lives. He promises that in our weakness His grace, favor, mercy, and loving-kindness will be enough and that He will help us to bear our troubles with courage.
Then it gets better, because He promises that in our weakest state He will stay close in our hearts, that His strength and power will be developed within our spirits. Remember, He cannot do this wonderful work in us if we believe we are strong in ourselves. We must recognize our weakness. That is why Paul said, “I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ may rest and dwell upon me!”
God is doing a work in our lives, and it is a process. So, when we feel we just can’t bear the present circumstances any longer, let’s remember that He is present within us and will take what we cannot bear. His favor toward us is sufficient, and His power within us is a work in progress. We don’t have to be defeated. We can step forward and go on!
“But He said to me, My grace [My favor and loving-kindness and mercy] is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully] for My strength and power are made perfect [fulfilled and completed] and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ [the Messiah] may rest, yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell upon me! (2Corinthians 12:9).
