In His strength
Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 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... For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Each time we realize our weakness and honestly admit that it might become an impediment for us to be used by God for His glory, the more God will demonstrate His power through us. This is what the Apostle Paul understands; only when he acknowledges his weakness that God will work through him. God uses people that are willing to admit their own limitations and that the only way they could be effective in what they will be doing is to rely upon the strength of God. This is also how he encouraged Timothy in his letter to him before he died. Timothy being young in faith demonstrated a lack of confidence in sharing the gospel to others. Paul told him to admit his limitations before God and to ask for courage so he could serve Him. He urged him to not let his age to become an excuse so he will continue in his insecurity. In his admonition, he told Timothy that his sure hope in the Lord should motivate him to encourage believers to live godly life. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Just like Paul, Timothy seemed to have some physical ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). Once again, he advised him to live a life of total dependence in God that even in his own weakness trust that God could use him. When you look within yourself, you might think that God would not be able to use you because there are things that could bar you from serving Him. You might be thinking that because you are still new in the faith you do not have all what it takes to be effective in reaching others for the Lord. Or you hesitate to fully commit yourself to God because there are sins in the past that you think disqualify you to be His representative. You might be disappointed to how you served Him in the past because you did not see the result you were expecting. Do not allow all these excuses to intimidate you from following and serving God. Just like Paul, realized that you can admit your own weaknesses before God and express to Him your total dependence. In this way, you allow God’s power to strengthen you. “For I can do everything through Christ,[d] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). After all, His desire is for you to become a demonstration of God’s strength by transforming your life to become a model of godly living.
Blessings,
