“IN WEAKNESS I AM STRONG”

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s FOR WHEN I AM WEAK THEN I AM STRONG.’ II Cor. 12:10.  Very often our weakness brings us to the Lord on our knees. Very often our advantages take us away from God with a spirit of pride. It is easy to see why Paul was strong when he was weak, for in his weakness he depended upon the strength of his Maker.

Most of our troubles arise when we feel that we can use our own judgment instead of the Lord’s instruction.  When we honestly feel that we are good enough and wise enough without bothering with Bible teaching; when we are in the depths because of errors and sins, we learn more of God’s power and love than ever before.  We can honestly say with the great apostle to the Gentiles; “when I am weak then I am strong”.

Moses was strong and young and well-educated when he first desired to assist the poor slave-driven people of his own race.  Moreover he was in a position of influence with the highest political leadership.  All these fine advantages led him to strike one useless blow for the cause of freedom, and then turn on his heels and go to the backside of the wilderness of Sinai.  Forty years later when he was an old man and completely without position and power, he trusted the Lord of Heaven and moved through the power of God to lead the Israelites to freedom.  “They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...” Isa. 40:31.

In conclusion from these and many other Bible accounts (such as the falling of the walls of Jericho and the victory of Gidion and his three hundred) that it is indeed a blessing for us in every way...when we are forced to abandon our own strength and depend completely upon our Savior.

      —Selected