Weak to be strong

Kyle Idleman’s theme in Chapter 8 (“Weak to Be Strong”) of The End of Me is that “our weaknesses create a space that God wants to fill with strength.”  Our weakness is the best setting for God to display His strength.  Jesus stepped into poverty, weakness, and obscurity so that the only thing left for us to say is, “Look what God can do.”

In 2  Corinthians 12:9, Pastor Idleman states, Paul is speaking about the difference between having strength and leaning on it.  Kyle adds:

“God doesn’t demonstrate his strength even though we’re weak- he demonstrates it precisely through the weakness.”

Corrie ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place, wrote another book titled Tramp for the Lord.  In that book Corrie tells about a Russian woman she met during the Cold War, when Christians were persecuted in Russia.  Multiple sclerosis left the woman with the physical ability to control only her right index finger.  With that one finger, she translated and typed the Bible and other Christian books into Russian.  The secret police ignored the woman because they didn’t consider her a threat- so she was able to work freely right under their noses.

Kyle leaves us with the following questions:

1.  How many times have I turned away from some challenge because  I wasn’t sure I had what it took and I was afraid to face the idea of weakness?


2.  How many blessings have I missed out on, not because I wasn’t capable, but because I wasn’t vulnerable?

Today’s question (from Kyle): How have you noticed God’s strength in spite of your weaknesses?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “These days are Glory Days”

Weak to be strong

Soar on wings like eagles

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”- Isaiah 40:31

Charles Stanley loves to photograph eagles because they are beautiful as well as extremely interesting to watch.  Dr. Stanley marvels at the wonderful way the Father has created eagles to traverse the sky.  In Chapter 7 (“The Joy of Waiting: Reaping the Rewards”) of Waiting on God, the author observes that eagles would tire quickly if they relied on their own power to say aloft.  They wouldn’t travel as far.

Instead, eagles ride air currents to move effortlessly through the sky.  Just as the wind current carries the eagles, our trust in God carries us through every trial and delay.  When we attempt to use our own power to accomplish our goals, we experience a feeling of “utter, internal exhaustion.”  Dr. Stanley explains that, just as eagles wait for the right air current, we need to wait on God:

“When we wait upon God, He will become the powerful current beneath our wings- lifting us to new heights, supporting us in the journey, and taking us to our desired haven.”

Today’s question: What Scriptures have been instrumental in strengthening your resolve to wait upon the Lord?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “The best is yet to come”

 

 

 

 

Soar on wings like eagles

Perfect, unconditional love

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”- 1 John 4:8

Charles Stanley concludes Chapter 2 of Waiting on God by stating that we can be certain God will help us because of His perfect, unconditional love.  Dr. Stanley contrasts God’s love and human love:

“. . . God’s love for you is not like most human love- moody, unpredictable, self-serving, and contingent upon your response.  His tenderness toward you is based on His holy character- which is unwavering, sacrificial, unchanging, completely trustworthy, and committed to providing the very best for you.”

The author describes ten powerful assurances we can count on God to give us every day of our life.  The first four assurances are discussed today.

1.  His lovingkindness and compassion are yours every day.  God never will leave or forsake us.  We can know with certainty that He is always working on our behalf.

2.  He is a solid, unshakable foundation for you.  The Lord is not given to sudden or volatile alterations in His behavior.  He operates on fixed, timeless principles that we can count on.  The Lord will hold us steady and secure if we focus on Him.

3.  He will guide you in the way you should go.  God faithfully leads us on the best path for our life or to what we are waiting for.  As long as we keep our eyes on Him, we are assured we’re on the right track.

4.  Whatever He requires of you, He will enable you to accomplish.  Dr. Stanley states the Lord has a supernatural way of “multiplying your time, talents, strength, wisdom, and supply when you trust in Him.”

Today’s question: Which of the first four assurances are most meaningful to you?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog: “Our great potential”

Perfect, unconditional love

Directed toward God

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”- Isaiah 41:30

Charles Stanley begins Chapter 2 (“Assured in God’s Character: The Wisdom of Directing Your Focus to Him”) of Waiting on God by asking this question: “Do you know who it is you are waiting for?”  Dr. Stanley notes that our natural tendency is to focus on the object of our desire rather than God- the Provider.  But the bottom line is, no matter what we petition God for, God is the One we’re really waiting for.

That’s why Dr. Stanley’s first characteristic of godly prayer in waiting- being directed toward God- is of paramount importance.  While it may appear difficult for us to shift our thoughts to God, Dr. Stanley states “without a shadow of a doubt that with the help and power of the Holy Spirit and some godly principles to live by, [we] can do it.”  God may not provide according to our expectations, but Psalm 91:10 reminds us that God never will forsake the person who seeks Him.

We have no reason to fear because God is unaffected by obstacles that limit and intimidate us.  It is the Holy Spirit who prompts us to remember God’s promises and faithfulness.  The Holy Spirit gives us the capacity to remain faithful during times of waiting.

Today’s question: What Bible verses have helped you deal with your fears following your vocation loss?  Please share.

Tomorrow’s blog”: “Refining your faith”

Directed toward God