Weakening Strengths

The world tells us to ‘be strong’ and to ‘strengthen our weaknesses’. But the Bible tells us just the opposite.

Over this last weekend, I visited Westmont College and this was brought to light in the course of their Sunday-evening worship service. The young lady singing in their youth band said that we can actually inhibit God’s work by trying to make ourselves stronger. Unfortunately, I can attest to this.

We cannot, by ourselves, make us stronger. I’ve tried, but every single time fallen short. This can be so frustrating, after striving for so long to become a stronger and better person but every single time sliding back to where I started.

But in all this trying, I kept missing the big picture. My biggest strength lies in my own weakness. This may seem irrational, but it’s true. God isn’t asking me, or you, to be strong. All He’s asking is that I surrender and let Him manifest Himself in my own weaknesses.

I can never become truly strong by my own power. I’ve tried and failed horribly. I’ve kept fighting, thinking I can do this on my own. But I cannot. Contrary to popular belief, true power does not lie within.

But when I acknowledge and give my weaknesses to Christ, then He comes in and not only gives me strength, but His strength is made perfect. Doesn’t that make you want to glory in your shortcomings?

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ II Corinthians 12:9, KJV