20/08/2020
THE STRENGTH OF WEAKNESS
“..whose weakness was turned to strength.” Hebrews 11:34
David Bivin opines that “Only when we realize our spiritual inability can God operate in us and through us.
Only when we look to God rather than relying on our own strength can God use us.
Biblical faith is closely related to spiritual weakness. It is “hanging in there” in spite of the circumstances.
It is the acknowledgement of our dependence on God.
APOSTLE PAUL
“But he (the LORD) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for in weakness my power is perfected.’…. That is why for Christ’s sake, I am pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
ABRAHAM AND SARAH
•Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.
•By faith Sarah also herself received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
“Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.” Hebrews 11:12
JACOB
•At Penuel, and on his way back from staying with and serving his uncle Laban, Jacob was so desperate and so afraid (Genesis 32:7), of what his brother Esau would do him, because Jacob claimed his birthright.
•Jacob refused to go on without meeting the Lord.
That night, Jacob wrestled with an angel of the Lord who ‘weakened’ him at the socket of his hip (Exodus 32:25-31).
•Jacob went away from that encounter limping (Exodus 32:31), but spiritually he was anew (Israel) and stronger man.
CONCLUSION
God is able, when we surrender to Him by faith, to turn our challenges, limitations and weaknesses into a form of blessing, leading to a victorious life.
Oginga Orowe