His Strength In My Weakness
When we face challenging times, it’s natural to want to wish it away. We don’t often think, “I can’t wait to learn what God is wanting to teach me through this experience”. But, no matter how difficult, we must remember that God allows us to go through challenging times so that we can know Him deeper. It’s also an opportunity for the impossible to take place. When we are at our wits end, all we can do is rely on the Lord and seek Him earnestly. We don’t have our own strength to give. That is the time when He shows us what it means to allow His strength to take over and do the impossible.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV) says, “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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that we need to shift our perspective when facing difficulties. Paul explains that it is actually in these moments, where we are experiencing weaknesses, that allows God’s power to flow through us in a way it wouldn’t have if we were operating in our own strength. The power of God is being perfected in us when we choose to rely on Him.
God has allowed me to experience these types of moments many times. Most of them have been physical problems that have almost held me back from being able to step out on stage and lead worship. Recently, I experienced a physical ailment for almost a year that made me want to quit leading worship until it was gone because it was all-consuming and terrifying. I wanted to give up so many times. I didn’t want to embarrass myself or cause a distraction in worship. But as I continued to lead, God showed me time and time again that He had complete control over it. I would tell the prayer warriors in my life what I was dealing with and they would pray for me fervently everytime I opened my mouth to sing. I could feel the sensation that almost stopped me from singing go away completely as they were fighting for me in prayer.
God kept reminding me of that truth: In my weakness, HIS strength is made perfect. I can now say that I whole-heartedly believe those words because I saw Him do it over and over again. It was such a challenging time, but He ALWAYS came through. I remember that when the physical problem would go away, it was as if it was being traded, and instead I received God’s boldness and power. I was able to lead in a way I never had before- with no worries or fear because I knew God in all His power was sustaining me.
How often do we miss out on an opportunity to be used by God in a powerful way because we coil back in fear instead of seeking Him desperately and operating in His strength? We don’t have to be in a “perfect” condition to be used by God. Actually, He can work through us in such a special way when we are in need of Him and we seek Him desperately on our knees.
Who are your prayer warriors? The battles we face in life cannot be won all on our own. I know without a doubt that if I didn’t have those faithful prayer warriors, or if I tried to get through it all by myself, things would have looked different for me.
“He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, ESV).
Next time you feel afraid to step out into what God has called you to, remember that He is the One who has called you to it, and He is the One who will do it. It’s not about how strong you are or how qualified you feel. It’s about being obedient to God with what He has asked of you even when you are weak, afraid, drained, tired, insulted, or just going through an incredibly challenging time. Next time you are going through a trial, ask God to change your mindset. Maybe He wants to use this time to deepen your relationship with Him. Or, maybe He wants to remind you that ministry is all about HIM. He could be answering a prayer that you’ve prayed for refinement and humility. Whatever it is, see the situation through God’s eyes. Remember that although it can be terrifying- this is exciting territory. It is where God can do the impossible because we are relying on Him so much that we can’t possibly let our flesh or pride get in the way of what He wants to do.
