(Psalms 18:28-30) For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD
my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my
God I can leap over a wall. This God--his way is perfect; the word of the LORD
proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10) But he said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I
will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ
may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses,
insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am
strong.
Who alone can lighten darkness? What one person can run
against an entire troop of soldiers? Who can leap over an enormous wall? No one
can do these things of his own strength, anymore than a person can save himself
from his own sins or sanctify himself to the image of Christ. It is only by
God's infinite strength that any of these things can be accomplished in you.
When God accomplishes these great things in a weak vessel like you, His
strength is displayed and He is glorified.
Your weakness highlights God's strength. When you are too
weak to accomplish something yet you accomplish it, the accomplishment is the
Lord's and it becomes obvious that you are operating in the Lord's strength and
not your own. His strength becomes your strength in your weakness. Your
strength is God accomplishing that which is impossible for you to accomplish on
your own. The great temptation is to take credit for His strength as your own
and the greater temptation is to actually believe that His strength is your own
strength and not your own weakness. Resist this temptation by always giving God
the glory for anything good in your life.
Recognize your own weakness in the challenges you face today
and rely upon the Lord's strength to overcome and accomplish them; then you
will be strong!
Questions For Discussion
What does it mean, "For when I am weak, then I am
strong."?
What can you do to resist the temptation to take credit for
God's strength in you?
What is the first step in relying upon the Lord's strength in
all areas of your life?
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