It takes inner courage and strength to admit to having a weakness (or weaknesses), especially to others, doesn’t it? Because while weakness and fragility are acceptable in babies, small creatures, flowers and plants, they’re not so welcome by us.
We prefer to be able to look after ourselves, not to be dependent on others, thank you very much. But what if that dependency extends to God? How might we view ourselves and our lives then?
“You are the riches and valuables within me. My weakness, instead of something to push against, is the entry ticket for your strength and power.” — Jesus Every Day: A Journey Through the Bible in One Year by Mary DeMuth
As I read the words above, they offered reassurance of being noticed, upheld and strengthened by God, especially when physical weakness can keep me hidden from the world for months.
You and I can take heart that we are seen, cherished and beloved Just. As. We. Are – weak or strong. We can rest in the knowledge of being no less worthy because we have times and seasons when weakness and weariness totally deplete us.
We are not forgotten by the One who flung stars into space and knows us more intimately than we know ourselves. God sees our weakness and fragility and longs to give us His power and strength.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41: 10 TLB
In return for our willing surrender, God offers us His unconditional love, endless mercy, complete forgiveness, and all-encompassing grace. These are untarnishable treasures that shine like sparkling gems during our darkest moments.
Jesus is the richest, strongest thing about you and me. He alone is the greatest treasure our hearts are always seeking for, though we don’t always know it.
May we learn how to grow into the fullness of the strength we have in Christ, while stretching into the increase only He can provide.
Let us long to discover the treasure concealed in darkness and keep following the enduring Light that nothing can extinguish.
In order to do those things, we will need Godly wisdom and discernment to be our guides. It will require a clear-sighted look at ourselves.
Who, or what, is occupying the primary place in our lives, minds and hearts? Are we more dependent on ourselves, other people or things than we are on God? Where is our major help and strength coming from?
“Instead of trusting in our own strength . . . [God] rescued us. . . . And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation.” — 2 Corinthians:8–10 The Message
God is teaching us, through our human frailty and weakness, to fully depend on Him alone. He reaches out with compassion, calls our name, and whispers His desire for us to lean on Him for all things.
“for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” – Philippians 4: 13 TLB
God wants to take the stress and pressure out of our lives by filling our inner emptiness with Himself and meeting our weakness with His great healing strength. And that’s part of the Holy, royal exchange gifted to us by our faith in Christ.
Friends, I’m sensing a call to pause my words here for a while in order to heal from a virus I’ve been struggling with for several weeks – not the latest scary one, thankfully 😉 – because my weakened immune system takes ages to recover from additional illnesses.
Where are you noticing the need for strengthening in your own life? Let’s pray for one another to be strengthened and healed. ❤️🙏🏻💜
Words of Joy 
Oh Dear Joy, once again your words have struck such a chord in my heart.
“God is teaching us, through our human frailty and weakness, to fully depend on Him alone. He reaches out with compassion, calls our name, and whispers His desire for us to lean on Him for all things.”
It really is such a process of teach-ing isn’t it? I grow so discouraged when I feel that I am having to relearn something. But He is so compassionate in the journey, knowing that we need a constant learning and leaning. I am so grateful that we can pray for each other in these places. May the Lord bring to you the same comfort and strength that you have shared so beautifully with all of us. I will surely miss your voice here, but I am praying for you as you heed His call, and move into HIS pausing here. I am sending so much blessings, love and hugs to you across the pond, dear sister. xoxo
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Dear Bettie, it’s a hard lesson to learn, isn’t it? We seem to be in a process of continually surrendering yet another area of our lives where God asks us to lean more on Him instead of relying on ourselves. I get discouraged as well even as I know the “constant learning and learning” is good for my soul.
Such dependency comes with a price, largely our independence and pride which get knocked out of joint. Praise God for giving us endless opportunities to trust Him with our lives! And for the blessing of fellow sojourners who accompany, comfort and pray for us along the way. I return your abundant blessings, love, hugs and prayers across the pond, dear sister, friend and soul companion. xoxo 💜
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I’m so sorry the effects of a virus keep hanging on, Joy. I caught one at the beginning of last week, and though I’m doing much better, there are times that I wonder if I’m really over it. We need the spring sunshine and new life, right? Though I will miss your presence here, I pray God infuses strength into your heart and body! The same quote that struck a chord in Bettie’s heart touches me as well. Amen! Love, blessings, and hugs to you, dear friend!
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The symptoms and side effects do seem to linger long after we first get them. Mine has morphed in character as well, and it’s taking ages to recover from. Unfortunately, those of us with preexisting conditions and weakened immune systems are more prone to hang on to these illnesses. Yes, bring on the “spring sunshine and new life!” Thank you for your kind words and heartening prayer. I’m praying for you too, dear friend. Blessings of health and strength, love and hugs to you! xo 💜
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