Overcoming Weaknesses by the Power of Christ

On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.       -II Corinthians 13:2b, 3

If you spend any time at all these days with the TV on you will notice some products that are making some amazing claims.  Take a certain pill, every day they tell you, and you will lose weight.  And you can eat all you want and anything you want.  Simply take that wonderful pill.  Don’t you believe it.  Try this new exercise machine and you are guaranteed to lose weight and have more energy.  I think my favorite is the tread mill.  Those are great for setting in the corner and hanging clothes on them or piling up various boxes of brick-a-brack and what not.  Another of my favorite is the miracle working milkshake I heard about.  All you have to do is drink a few of these milkshakes every day and you will lose weight and have more energy.  

I am no health and fitness expert, but I am extremely skeptical of all the above mentioned products.  If we want to lose weight, get in shape, and have more energy, that is going to take some discipline, commitment, and determination.  Those same principles can be applied to a relationship with the Lord.  Following Jesus Christ involves commitment, determination, a right attitude, faith, personal discipline, and a heart that is totally devoted to the Lordship of Christ.  Anything that is worth having is worth dedicating ourselves to and that certainly applies to a vibrant relationship with the Lord Jesus.  The problem comes when we allow our human weaknesses to interfere with and get in the way of what the Lord is calling us to do.  

Do you ever have problems with weaknesses?  I thought so; we all have them in varying degrees.  But the promise of God is that we have these treasures in jars of clay (II Corinthians 4:7).  God can take our weaknesses and He can turn them into strengths for His kingdom work and divine purposes. 

Don't allow weaknesses to keep you from rising up and becoming all that God intends for you to be.  Those weaknesses can be overcome and made into strengths.  The Lord can do wonderful and amazing works in flawed people like you and me.  Trust in the Lord, be faithful, let His light shine forth from our lives as evidence to those around us that He is working in us.  

The Lord is with us, and He will empower us to overcome anything that stands in the way of growing in grace, faith, and the love of the Lord Jesus.