“A Prophetic Word” Day 49: It’s not about our strength.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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.”

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ESV

Sometimes we have a misguided idea of what being strong in the Lord involves. Being strong in the Lord is well illustrated in this: a child who is very afraid, hurt, or upset, seeing their parent, runs into their arms and is immediately comforted. Now, that child is not comforted because they suddenly feel an inner sense of their own strength. That child is not comforted because what had troubled them was no longer there. That child is comforted because they put confidence in the strength of their parent such that just the presence of their parent, being held in the arms of that parent, totally changes the dynamic for the child. Although the scary or hurtful thing still exists, it no longer provokes sorrow and/or fear in the heart of the child.

Consider the proclamation of the Apostle Paul when he said, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” When we recognize that we are at the end of our strength, only then can we fully recognize our utter dependence on the strength of our Father, our Savior, our Lord, our Shepherd, of our Almighty God and King. Then, running into His strength, we find immediate confidence that we are safe. We are secure. We are at peace. Yes, when I am weak, He is strong for me. God is not wanting us to prove our strength to Him. He’s wanting us to prove His strength, His faithfulness toward us, by placing all our confidence in Him.

Child of God, quit trying to walk in your own strength. Come to Jesus. He’ll be strong for you. And He will give you rest.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!