“Our hope is in the strength of the Lord”
That phrase has been going around in my head.
I’ve been thinking a lot about “weakness” and my own weaknesses –not in a negative way, but more of a realization and a thankfulness that “hey, God can use my weaknesses, my weak areas. He delights in my weaknesses because in those areas, through me, (who me? Yes, me!) He can be strong!”
What a relief that is! Haha!
So why is it that often times I try to embrace what I feel I am strong in and run from what I feel I am weak in? Why is it that I often subconsciously tell myself that if I am not good at something, then it must not be for me? I am seeing now that it should be the opposite, in a sense, at least when it’s something the Lord has placed before me.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Not having the pressure of trying to be really good at something sure would be a whole lot easier for me, wouldn’t it?
When it comes down to it, it’s really about the fact that God is always going to be stronger than we can ever try to be. That’s a good thing! When we can learn to let go of trying to be something and just do whatever He leads us to, regardless of what that might be, then we’re always going to be able to achieve those things when we let go of trying to be God, and just let Him do what only He can do.
Our job is only to be obedient, and step into the opportunities that God has placed before us.
We are not meant to get bogged down with a bunch of questions (note to self) or a bunch of “Are you sure, God? Really? Me??”s
I am realizing that these things only cause confusion and delay. But if we just go and do, then He will make sense of it, and it will all come together when we see Him “strong” in the situations that are quite “impossible”.
“We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust His holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord. For our hope is in You alone.” – Psalm 33:20-22
Gosh, I’m so thankful that God can use those of us who are weak and not good at very many things. How amazing that such a powerful God, Creator of the Universe wants to use little earthly “weaklings” like us. What a relief! I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of a “weakling” but I know that when I turn that over to God, and trust that He can and He will, then He can do great things –yes, even through me.
So Lord, I present to You all of my weaknesses, that they may be used for Your purpose. I pray that no illusion, no lie would be able to take my focus, my eyes off of You. I know that only in You am I able to be strong.
Our hope is in the strength of the Lord.
–Heather