For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. –II Corinthians 13:4
All too often I am reminded of God’s strength and my weaknesses. The Lord is all strength and no weakness. However, we as humans are prone to weakness, and any strength we draw, if it is truly strength, must originate in the power of God. This idea that the Lord can take my weaknesses and turn them into strengths is comforting during the trials and struggles of life. Christ is not plagued with fear, doubts, uncertainties, worries, or questions about the future. We, however, wrestle with these negative attributes on a daily basis. The challenge for the believer is to take Christ at His Word and allow Him to transform our weaknesses into strengths – and not ours, but His strength working in and through us. When that happens we will discover that every aspect of our lives is enhanced. Our outlook will improve, our attitude will become more positive, and our outlook is brightened. By all means we can benefit from such improvement in the midst of the troubles, stresses, and heartache we all must bear.
The thought of Christ taking my weaknesses and transforming them into strengths gives hope that we will not always be underneath our problems, but rather steadily rising above them. Indeed, through Christ we are not to simply survive life, but we can live the abundant life in Him each day. I recently watched a program about a new submarine commissioned by the US Navy. This advanced submarine has the capability of taking seawater and transforming it into fresh water which can be used for a variety of purposes by the crew. This process is done through a system of filtration, heat, and purification. What was unusable becomes useful and beneficial.
This is similar to what Christ does in us. He filters our weaknesses and transforms them into strengths. Christ brings us through the fires of life’s struggles and brings us out stronger on the other side. By the power of the Holy Spirit, working through us, we are daily purified and made to be more like Him. We can give thanks to the Lord that our weaknesses need not have power and victory over us. Through Christ’s power we can rise up and walk daily in spiritual victory.
Are you struggling with discouragement because of weakness? Take heart, for the Lord understands and He is able to turn our weaknesses into strengths. Don’t give up. Why not begin today walking in spiritual victory?
