2Corinthians 12:9; Isaiah 40:29-31
My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness . . . He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
What of Today’s Verse…
When the subject of spiritual strength is raised, our thinking often turns in one of two directions. Either we consider how we can muster up our own strength, or we dwell on our own weakness, doubting that adequate strength can ever be found. Well, it is clear from the scriptures that God is not expecting that mere human strength will be sufficient for our spiritual callings. “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.” Natural strength is never more abundant than in youthful lives. Yet, even that supply is not what people need for spiritual endurance.
God’s word is also clear that an awareness of our weakness need never lead to despair over finding strength. Actually, the opposite is true. When we realize our drastic insufficiency that is a reminder of our qualification to receive God’s supply of strength. “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Those who admit that they are weak are the very ones to whom God offers His strength. Those who confess that they have no might at all are the people in whom God increases His strength.
It is an amazing truth that God’s strength is perfected (displayed the most fully) in the arena of our own weaknesses. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Whenever we agree with God concerning our complete frailty in any given area of life, His grace is available to meet the need. Whenever we personally look to Him to pour out that strength, we will find that it is sufficient. “Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength.”
Waiting upon the Lord involves hoping in Him, placing our expectations upon Him and not upon ourselves. For all who depend upon Him in view of their own weakness, “they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Thereby, our confession can be: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phi_4:13).
Let us Pray:
Lord, You are my only hope and my sufficient strength. On my own I am hopeless and powerless. Thank You for Your gracious patience, when I think my human strength is enough. Lord, I am weak; give me Your power. I have no might; increase Your strength in me. I wait upon You. I put my expectations in You. Unleash Your glorious grace in me, perfecting Your all-sufficient strength in my life, in Jesus name, Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Sacred Space
In the sacred space of prayer, I am renewed.
Jesus advised us to “pray always.” He knew the importance of finding a sacred space where one could retreat from the outer activities of the day and rest in quiet, contemplative prayer.
My sacred space may be a specific room in my home or a favourite garden. It may be a chapel or sanctuary I often visit. I can create a sacred space for myself, whether I retreat to a physical place or to a place in consciousness. The important thing is that I take time to be with God, to rest my mind and body, and to renew my spirit. In my sacred space I relax, breathe deeply and release the cares of the day. I allow the presence of God to fill me in mind, body and soul, and I am renewed.
Go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.–Matthew 6:6
