Calling All Weaklings

I am a weakling! I do not like being called a weakling...but I admit that I am a weakling. In and of myself, I am not strong. In terms of worldly wisdom, this is a negative admission. In terms of spiritual wisdom, this is a positive admission. But, before we delve into this matter, a point of clarification is needed. The opposite of strength is not weakness. I could not find an appropriate word to use to make my point, so I made up a new word. The opposite of strength is strengthless.

Why belabor this point? Simple: To remain Biblical in our discussion. The rather straightforward statement of Paul cannot be misintrerpreted: "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9). He does not say that he was weak or used to be weak. He is weak. Admitting that fact is crucial. Our weakness is the very territory where God's strength becomes our possession. It is a good thing to recognize and admit our weakling status. Then, we are preapred to run as fast as possible to the source of strength.

There are quite a number of specific sources of spiritual strength available to us. We will consider them individually in subsequent posts. Here we consider the umbrealla that spreads out over all of God's provision of strength.

The world makes its attempts to provide strength. None of them ultimately work. Look around and you will see idols to the goddess of strength everywhere:

• Education will make you strong.
• Exercise will make you strong.
• Medical advancements will make you strong.
• Financial stability will make you strong.
• Government will make you strong.
• Man-centered religion will make you strong.

These idols are disintegrating right before our eyes. Towering above these toppling idols looms the Gospel, the Good News, the Word from the Lord:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

The strength we need for living victorious lives comes from the Lord and His mighty power. Reflect and meditate on this tremendous promise from the Word of God:

"Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;

they are ever praising You. Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in You,

who have set their hearts of pilgrimage.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca (weeping),

they make it a place of springs...

They go from strength to strength,

till each appears before God in Zion."

(Psalm 84:4-7, emphasis added.)

It is the Lord who arms you with strength. Admit your weakness and run as fast as you can to the Lord to find your strength in Him. Even as a weakling, you can go from strength to strength. He is faithful and He will do it!