In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. –Romans 8:26
Dealing with our weaknesses can be a frustrating experience. Our weaknesses leave us feeling frustrated, defeated, vulnerable, and off balance. Conversely, strength is exhilarating: our hearts soar, our spirits are lifted, and our capacity for accomplishment appears to be limitless. However, even the strongest among us can fall victim to weakness. The person we thought would never fail may do just that. The one who we believed was a rock of stability may encounter a crisis that leaves him an emotional wreck. Someone may be watching me or you and believing that we are living, breathing examples of what spiritual strength and steadiness looks like. What would they think if they saw us in moments of weakness, when we were afraid, exhausted, and ready to give up? Would they chastise us for our tears? Would they think less of us? I don’t think so, for even those who look up to us find comfort in knowing that we struggle just like everyone else. Still, it’s unnerving to discover that even our heroes have weaknesses.
We are admonished in Scripture to avail ourselves to the power of God during those times of weakness. We cease from trying to accomplish God’s will on our strength and instead seek God’s strength and power. When we come against that wall of emotion, fatigue, and frustration we can come to God in simple and humble obedience. We may feel so overwhelmed that we honestly don’t know what to pray. The promise of God is that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groans that human language cannot express. This is the redemptive work of Christ in us: Holy Spirit power – God’s divine power coming through and being perfected in us. Through Christ our weaknesses are transformed into strengths.
Do you not believe it? The next time you feel so overcome with emotion that you don’t know what or how to pray, simply begin praying and allow the Lord to intercede on your behalf. The result will be a wondrous outpouring of God’s power which lifts us up in times of pain and sorrow. You may not find the words, but that’s okay. Get alone with God, seek His face, and let the Holy Spirit do the work.
Our weaknesses can, by the power of God, become strengths. Spiritual victory will then follow.
