Have you ever seen a video where a person or animal is stuck–in water, mud or quicksand? Rescuers come to help and the person is so scared they actually fight against their own rescue? I think many of us are reluctant to admit to soul weakness or spiritual weakness. The Lord sends someone with advice and we choose to continue to struggle by ourselves and with ourselves!
When we find our self feeling weak–we must first humble ourselves and admit it. Not easy for our prideful souls is it? But once we admit our lack, we can appeal to the Lord and others for help. It may be health struggles, emotional issues, lack of confidence in your ability to make right choices, these are all areas where we can lean on Him.
So many times believers try to muster up the strength they need to overcome in their weak areas instead of inviting the Holy Spirit to come where they are and lead them out of their struggles. One of my “weaker areas” has been walking through grief. I’ve learned to make friends with it. At times I have tried to ignore it. At times I have tried to “shame” my way out of it–it’s been so long, shame on you for dealing with this again. I’ve tried to “suck it up” and put on a happy face. But it is not until I sit down with the Lord and ask Him to walk with me in it, that I find the rest and strength I need. My body has a weakness. Years ago I made a mistake and mixed ammonia and bleach together to make a DIY cleaning product. I learned the hard way after I damaged my lungs breathing in the fumes. So now I deal with asthma. It’s humbling and at times embarrassing. But until healing is manifest, the Lord and I walk together with it.
It is freeing to know that He is with me–both in grief and asthma! Surrendering your expectations of living a perfect life is so freeing. That is why we needed a Savior in the first place–please my friends, do not try to do life with your own strength! He is there waiting to help you and 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9. Our God stories will increase, His name will be lifted up as we rely on His strength, wisdom and power more and more.
Faith Encounters 