Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 9, 2016
For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
Last summer, while I pondered the problem of depending on ourselves more than we depend on Christ, I scribbled the following notes in my journal. I hope they are an encouragement to you and a reminder that God uses ordinary people just like you.
Self-sufficiency is the enemy of grace. If we believe we are able to do everything on our own, why do we need God? Our inadequacies are an opportunity for Him to show Himself sufficient. In this there is grace, a gift we could never receive if we could solve our own problems. God’s grace, and therefore His power, aren’t made manifest in those who believe they have no need for help. It doesn’t shine most brightly in the “I-can-do-it-myself” types. It shines in the inadequate, in those who know they need God’s power to succeed and endure. It shines when we are unable to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. This is when He can show up to do great things in our impossible situation. This is when He is glorified and we are strengthened in our faith and hope by watching Him work. He moves in—and through—ordinary people. He always has and always will.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Since these things are true, one of the most powerful acts we can do is thank God for what we cannot do on our own, and then invite Him into our inadequacies. When we do, we’ll be surprised how He provides grace to sustain, equip, and guide us for the road ahead. God’s grace is sufficient, because when you are weak then you are strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
To receive the gift of grace that brings with it God’s enabling power to accomplish His plans and purposes for our lives, we must humble ourselves and admit that we are unable, dependent, and that without Him we can “do nothing” (John 15:5).
Will you join me today by inviting Christ into your inadequacies and thank Him that you are able to do all things through His grace and power?
I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer: Lord, thank you so much that you will enable me to do that which you have called me to. I don’t have to try to work in my own strength. Amen.
Application: Do you struggle with self-sufficiency and trying to do the Christian life alone? Talk with God about your struggle, then thank Him that He uses broken and inadequate people.
Related Readings: Psalm 37:5; Psalm 121:2; Isaiah 41:13
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