Be Weak

We don’t like weakness.


It’s pumped into us from early childhood that we can do anything we put our minds to.
We don’t like to ask for help. We want this persona that we can do it all.
That we’re strong and capable.


I recently found myself in a weak situation.
I didn’t want to bother anyone, so I didn’t ask for help. I thought I could do it alone.


I may have screamed a little in the frustration of the moment.


I was determined to put a storage container larger than myself (and filled to the brim with heavy outdoor greenery) up onto a shelf that was above my head. I assessed the situation and came up with a plan. I got the container up and balanced onto the first shelf and then with a heave, lifted it above my head to slide onto the next shelf up.
For a split second I was proud of myself.
Until I realized the container was too big to slide onto the shelf. And so, that huge container that was larger than my body frame rested on top of my head and I screamed (just a little) in anger and frustration. I could almost feel my spine turning into an accordion. I was home alone in 5 degree weather out in my garage. This was going to come crashing down, and me along with it.


I was weak.
Somehow in that moment I prayed and asked God not to allow me to fall off the ladder I was balancing on, and to be able to set that container down without anything breaking. Bones included. To be honest, I don’t even know how I got it down and looking back, I wish I had just prayed ahead of time and perhaps God would’ve shown this proud, stubborn woman that there was no way that huge container would fit on that shelf. (Proverbs 3:5-6)


I placed all power on myself, and guess what?
I am powerless.
We all are.


I used to quote that verse in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10~’when I am weak, He is strong’,
but it dawned on me recently that that is not what the verse says. There is truth in that statement, but the verse actually says~ when I am weak then “I” am strong.
It almost doesn’t make, sense until you read the entire context.


When we realize we have no strength, we have no power and we are weak~ that’s the moment we become strong, because it’s in that moment as a Christian that we come to the realization that the power comes from Christ alone.


It’s not something most people would brag about. In fact, I am sure many would see that whole idea as being weak. The world is constantly shouting at us that we are strong, and how utterly ridiculous it is to have to lean on Christ for our strength. Too often we allow their screams to drown out God’s promises to us.


So my question to you is this~
Why do it alone?
Why try to muster up the strength to conquer every thing this world throws at you~
alone?


Most likely~ pride. (Proverbs 16:18)


Do you know how often Christ tells us that through Him we can have peace (Philippians 4:6-7) and comfort (1 Peter 5:7, 11 Corinthians 1:3-5) and love (John 3:16) and strength
(Isaiah 41:10-13) and power (2 Timothy 1:7)? Throw any situation in the mix, it doesn’t matter what it is~Christ will take that yoke upon himself and bear it right along side of you.
(Matthew 11:30, Psalm 55:22)


You will never be alone. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Not even in 5 degree weather in a garage. On a ladder.
With a Christmas container perched on top of your head.


Satan knows our weaknesses. Sometimes he knows them better than we do. He fools us into thinking we are strong on our own, and it isn’t until that moment we fall apart that we realize that our weaknesses are much stronger than our resolve.


Don’t let pride harden your heart, (Hebrews 3:8, Psalm 95:8) and quite literally make you fall. (James 4:6, Psalm10:4) Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re being humble by not asking for help.


Humility is not weakness, humility is strength wrapped up in Jesus. (Isaiah 41:10-13)


Ask God for help today. Ask Him to show you areas that you are weak, not physically but spiritually. Ask Him for His strength and power. Don’t wait until you are broken to finally beg God for help. (Hebrews 4:16, Psalm 34:18) And then, allow yourself to ask others for help as well. Put aside your pride and let someone be a blessing in the serving.


One day you will look back at whatever problem you find yourself in at this very moment and say~”I honestly don’t know how I got out of that situation except for God. He heard my prayers. He strengthened me and gave me the power to overcome. He did not leave me broken and because of Him, I am strong.
Because of Him, I can do anything.” (Philippians 4:13)


It’s all Him.
Realize that now, rather than later.
Ultimately you show your strength by showing your weakness.
The strength that only comes from God.