Feb 10, 2011 Why Weakness is Not the Final Word
Originally posted on October 20, 2006
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26
Why Weakness Is Not The Final Word
The children of God know two things. We know weakness and we know that weakness is not final.
First, weakness is a reality. Let’s be honest. We get our backs up when someone says that Christianity is for the weak. We get defensive and talk about how we’re persecuted and misunderstood. We forget that we are weak! No man can reach God, completely understand truth, or will to be moral inside and out. No one is perfect in love. Weakness characterizes us much more than strength. Why does the accusation that we are weak bother us? Maybe we are still holding on to some perceived human strength to get along with God, others, and ourselves.
In Romans 8:26, Paul mentions weakness is no hint of surprise, embarrassment, or condemnation. Weakness simply is.
Second, we know that weakness is not final. Paul also said that the Spirit helps our weakness. He comes to our aid. He prays in our stead. He supplies in our need. Elsewhere (II Corinthians 12:9-10) we are told that it is in weakness that God’s grace meets us with His power. Because Christ’s power comes to those who are weak, we can actually be content with weakness. When we are weak in Christ, we are strong. In Christ, weakness gives way to strength.
Weak by Faith
Here’s the catch. There is no virtue in weakness alone. We are to be weak by faith. Being weak by faith is living in complete dependency upon Christ and the help of the Spirit who prays for us. Being weak by faith is to find the strength that God supplies, live by it, and bring glory to Him (I Peter 4:11).
Here are some thoughts on being weak by faith.
1. Admit that you are weak. Don’t make a casual admission- think it through and realize your dependency on Christ.
2. Don’t use weakness as an excuse. God gives strength to us for all we are called to be and do.
3. Draw upon the promises of God for strength. Romans 8 is full of promises that build our confidence in God. Throughout the chapter human weakness is met with divine strength. Meditating on these promises gives strength to our souls.
4. Live with hope for the future. In the end it will not be our weakness that rules the day, but the strong arm of the Lord God, His strong love for His people, and His strength in our weakness that got us to glory.
Rather than weakness being final, it is the place for God to demonstrate His strength. “Those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Pastor Scott