2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. NLT
It’s difficult to reconcile how Paul could use the words boast and weaknesses in the same sentence. We cover our weakness, try to repair it, not boast about it. In all honesty, facing and dealing with our weakness can be a daily burden leaving us discouraged and depressed. What seems to be a molehill for others is a mountain in our lives. Yet, God’s promise to us is that in spite of our weakness, and, as a matter of fact, during the times when we feel most helpless, we can turn to Him for help. His power works at its best when our strength is at its least.
Charlotte Elliott struggled with this issue in her life. She became bitter and angry about the circumstances in her life. Charlotte was an invalid from her youth and deeply resented the circumstances of her handicap. When she gave her life to God, she longed to be used by Him, yet she felt her health and physical condition prevented it. Alone one evening, she poured out her feelings to God and penned the words:
Just as I am, tho tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
You may recognize this as the third stanza to a song that has been sung at many evangelistic meetings. A song that epitomizes that we can all come to God the way we are. This song has helped millions to make that step… that step towards the unconditional, outstretched arms of God. Charlotte may not have seen the fruits of her work, yet God used her moment of seeming weakness and despair to change the lives of many. Indeed, in spite of Charlotte’s physical impairment, God used her pen to draw millions to Him.
Don’t focus on your difficulties or weaknesses. Focus on the God who is bigger than your difficulties. Turn to Him in your moments of weakness and invite Him to show Himself strong on your behalf. Whether or not you feel strong is irrelevant. Don’t wallow in it. Immerse yourself in your God. Let Him be your strong tower. Let Him bring out the best in you.
Question: What weaknesses are consuming your attention? Drawing you to look at yourself instead of the bigness of your God? Let God show himself strong in spite of your circumstances. Talk to Him today. His gracious favor is all you need.
