Your weakness is an opportunity for God's strength

Recognizing his own weakness Paul received this revelation from the Lord; “And then He told me, ‘My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.’ Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 Msg).

One of the weakest times in your life is in the midst of trial. To keep firm in faith during these times is a challenge, a battle. This may be a time of suffering, when your flesh and your spirit are at odds with each other. It is definitely a time when you need God’s strength (1 Peter 5:10).

The Lord is your Strength, your personal bravery, and your invincible army. In the midst of the battle, He causes you to make spiritual progress, that is He causes you to keep going in the midst of trouble (Habakkuk 3:17-19). He does not abandon you in the fight. Nothing is able to stand against you all the days of your life because God is with you; He will not forsake you (Joshua 1:5)! Therefore, you are able to be strong and courageous. There is no reason to be dismayed because He is always with you (Joshua 1:6,9). Your eyes should remain upon Him during the fight. The battle should not cause you to doubt God or His ability. The Lord is your strengthener! Meditating constantly upon His word helps you to keep your attention on Him; upon His love, wisdom and ability. It helps you to be wise and to have good success (Joshua 1:8). The battle should not compromise your opinion of His might. The battle actually puts Him to work. In every circumstance God is mighty and able. He keeps His word and does what He has promised (Romans 4:21). His power is immeasurable and unlimited (Ephesians 1:19 Amp). And His power is in and for you, if you believe (Ephesians 1:19). God’s power was demonstrated by raising Jesus Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named (Ephesians 1:20,21 Amp). Nothing and no one can challenge Him! Psalm 91:1 confirms the quality of God’s power; the enemy cannot stand against it!  This is the same power that God uses to strengthen you! This is the same power that He used to make a spectacle of satan by Jesus finished work of the cross and His resurrection (Colossians 2:15).

From the beginning of time, with Jesus, God demonstrated His power and ability by creating the world and everything in it. He said “be” and it was (Genesis 1; Hebrews 1:2). By His mighty word of power, He is upholding all things right now; upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe (Hebrews 1:3 Amp).

So, when God’s word speaks about strengthening you, His power made perfect in your weakness, this is the quality of the power and strengthening at work in you! No wonder you have strength for all things in Jesus Christ, His Son! Scripture says, “You are ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into you; you are self-sufficient in His sufficiency (Philippians 4:13 Amp). You are assured of His strength! You are strong, overcoming and soaring (Psalm 103: 5 Amp).

 Because you believe and trust, Jesus has settled in, making His home in you. Now because of Jesus, you are rooted in the Father, in His power and in His ability, where your strength comes from. He keeps you strong. (Ephesians 3:17) He empowers you with inner strength by His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). He strengthens you and you can expect good success! Your boast is in Him!

Like Paul, say, “let it happen”, let the strength of God be active in your weakness! God’s strength comes into its own in your weakness. This is to labor to rest in Him, to be confident in Him, to trust in Him. You are abiding in Him, and you will experience the results of abiding. This is being surrendered to the Lord.

So, what do you need strength for? Do you need strength to believe God’s word and be hopeful upon what He has said? Do you need strength to stand on His promises without wavering? Do you need strength to raise your shield of faith and sword of the spirit (which is His word)? Do you need strength when you are experiencing sorrow? Do you need strength to live as a righteous child of God? Do you need strength to forgive? Do you need strength with a temptation? Do you need strength in the midst of difficult circumstances? Do you need strength when your prayers don’t seem to be answered? Do you need strength when you don’t understand?

When you experience weakness, know that His strengthening is at work in you. Don’t look at your weakness as a problem. Look at it as an opportunity to experience God’s strength. Keep your focus on Him, and not the weakness. Distraction is what lures you away from Him. So, give you attention to the Lord and rejoice in His strength!