Romans 8:26-28
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what
to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with
groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind
of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the
will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together
for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Weakness: the state or condition of lacking strength, a
quality or feature regarded as a disadvantage or fault. (Taken from the computer dictionary) Not a popular word in our culture and maybe
not one in the time of Paul. What words
come into our mind when we think of weakness, a lack of strength or
determination, a person with character flaws, not a person you want in charge,
not a leader.
As one ages, the culture we live in tells us to do whatever
it requires to look younger to act younger and to work at staying young. To a
large degree Jan and I have bought into that and have made choices that we
believe will help; like going to the gym often, eat in a very disciplined
manner most of the time, reading books that are of interest, and working with
youth in Jan’s case.
With that said have we allowed the world to mold our
thinking about weakness? Do you recall
the apostle Paul telling us about this thorn in his flesh? Many of us have tried to guess what kind of
affliction he was given and we need not go there, it was not good, it was a big
deal to Paul and three times he ask the Father to remove it. This is Paul’s report on what Jesus told him,
“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 weakness, 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.”
So this thought comes into my feeble mind, is this a big
problem in our Christian walk, are we not allowing the Spirit to help us in our
weakness? If not, how is it going with
you, being a poser, putting on a front of being strong while having no
power. You cannot have it round and square,
one is not going to fit into the hole in your life, are you open to the
Father’s grace? If so, Jesus who cannot
lie is telling you His grace is sufficient for you, and His power is made
perfect in weakness.
Is your business in trouble, is your marriage going down the
tubes, are your teenagers rebelling, is your life in a big mess? Then hit the deck and confess to the Father
your independent spirit of trying to be the “lord of the ring” and receive the condition
as a gift that has opened your eyes to living independently of the power of
Christ who lives in you, and like Paul you will be able to testify; “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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