Zechariah 4:6 ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Fear not your own weaknesses and failures. The Lord is not surprised or hurt by our shortcomings. He is fully aware of our human limitations. These are such comforting words. If we truly understand that it is not our might, not our power, but the Lord’s Spirit within us that propels us forward, we can stop worrying. How often we believe that we are doing something good, maybe even something good for the Lord, and we are trying to accomplish it in our own power? This can lead to such frustration and feelings of desperation.
When I was homeschooling my three children, I learned this lesson as I began to meditate on these scripture verses. I found that my skills, determination and even desire were not going to get this huge job done. Each day I would begin with a prayer for strength and wisdom to go forward in this long marathon race.
On particularly difficult days, I could recall to mind that God’s grace was sufficient for me and my family. My failings of the day were not going to disrupt the work He was accomplishing in our school. He says His power is made perfect in weakness. I felt weaknesses in my ability to select curriculum, teach and even be patient and kind some days. As I remembered to call on God for his power and his wisdom to dwell in me, I found the strength to get through one more day. Oh, the power of morning prayers!
What are you facing that is defeating you? Try placing your hope in God’s grace which is sufficient to cover your weaknesses. This sparrow way of living takes such a burden off of us. Allow God to work through your weaknesses and provide grace for your failures. This is not giving up, it is simply acknowledging that we are unable to succeed at life on just our own power. God seeks our companionship, and He loves us. We can trust Him with our weaknesses. Holy Spirit, please be sufficient in all of our weaknesses and shortcomings today. We humbly admit we are not able to conquer all of the things that are pulling at us in our life. We acknowledge that we need your strength for our weaknesses. It is not our might, but your spirit that will see us through. We put our hope and trust in you. Guide us to your peace and help us discover the wisdom you freely offer to those who acknowledge your name. In Jesus’s name, amen.
