Weak or Strong: Let God Do the Hard Stuff

My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

WEAK OR STRONG: THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

Relocating from town to a country acreage in 2002 was a joy. The quiet beauty of the land delighted me – until the day I attempted to cut the grass with only a gas-powered push mower. Ignoring the outlying fields, I concentrated on the area surrounding our house. I encouraged myself with the thought that I would be burning calories and getting good exercise. I had to walk, push, bend to empty the clippings bag, and refill the gas tank more times than I could count. The sun beat down upon me and my sweat-drenched clothes. I knew my own power wouldn’t allow me to complete the task.

I prayed aloud as I struggled: “God, You have to help me do this!” As I prayed, the work seemed easier. Together, step by step, we finished the job – and I had tangible proof of God as Jehovah-Uzi, the Lord is My Strength.

The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. (Psalm 28:7)

In the years that have passed since, we sold the acreage, lived as missionaries in Africa for almost five years, and returned to Canada to rebuild a life here. Every step required faith, courage, and more strength than I possessed.

IN MY WEAKNESS: GOD’S STRENGTH IS SUFFICIENT

The challenges I face these days seem both smaller and larger at the same time. Prepping lots of fresh vegetables for a healthy dinner can feel like an endless task to limbs already drained by pain. Time spent with friends, even the dearest among them, calls for the type of brain energy I often find myself lacking. Letters, poems, stories, and devotionals that once came to life in one sitting, now take multiple sessions to complete.

Does it upset me that things seem to grow more difficult with each passing day? Of course! I would be lying to say otherwise. I am often maddeningly frustrated, but (and it’s a big but) each time I am weaker, God proves Himself stronger than I imagined.

The Lord has given me the same response Paul received when he prayed for his thorn to be removed:

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Instead of dwelling on my inability, may I always remember that He can do all things, even through one as weak as me.

LET’S PRAY

Father God, thank You for being who You are. I am so sorry about how often I think I need to accomplish things on my own. Help us to more freely and quickly admit our weaknesses and inabilities so that Your perfect strength can be seen through us. I pray in Jesus’ name, amen!

THINGS TO PONDER

• Have you been trying to do things in your own strength, then feeling bad each time you come up short?
• Have you given up on doing things you could once do with ease?
• Have you ever cried out to the Lord “I can’t do this, please help!”? Did you find yourself able to complete the task?
• Think of someone with whom you can share your experiences, all the while praising God for His strength.