No one wants to be weak. We’d rather be caught dead than doing something that would cause us to have to reveal our flaws, fears, and give an appearance of weakness. From being physically strong to mentally sharp, there is something about being confident and in control that is deeply desirable.
How did the Apostle Paul learn to be content “in weakness”? How did he brag so openly and confidently about his flaws and fears? In our society, it’s encouraged to hide our flaws and exchange them for a mask of smooth perfection, so for many of us, this doesn’t make much sense.
For most of my life, I’ve believed being strong meant not needing anyone and that asking for help was a weakness, but I have found that it’s actually quite the opposite because the bravest thing in life is to become vulnerable with someone and admit that you need them.
God tells Joshua, as he takes over for Moses to lead the people into the promised land, in Joshua 1:7-9 to “to be strong and courageous” but God wasn’t talking about being courageous in his (Joshua’s) own strength, but to be strong and courageous in his need for God and his wisdom. It’s never about our physical strength but our spiritual strength and choosing to trust God-given strength even though we cannot feel it.
The Bible calls us to follow Jesus and live by faith, which means acknowledging our need for someone and surrendering our life to him. It means admitting we don’t have it all together, and we can’t do it alone, and it means entrusting our life into the hands of someone else instead of our own.
Lord, forgive me when I try to take on the world by myself. Help me realize that if I give you my weakness, you will fill me with your strength and courage. Then I can face all things through the strength you provide (Philippians 4:10-13). Amen.
Go Deeper — Identify your weaknesses and then hand them over to God. That will help you realize where your strength comes from.
Photo Credit: Jaakob Owens