I have always been a pretty independent gal and prided myself on being “strong.”
For many people, strong might have several different definitions. Although I have never been athletic, I always tried to do my fair share of the farm work growing up. Fifty pound feed sack over my shoulder? No big deal. Hoisting a heavy western saddle way over my head to saddle the horse? Not pretty, but I managed.
I always wanted to be the “strong one,” both physically and emotionally.
But it didn’t always work out like that.
I may or may not have pulled a muscle in my back helping my Dad move our monstrosity of a couch out of our college duplex around graduation. And while I am usually the “strong” emotional one in the midst of crisis, I have been known to break down later in the privacy of my bedroom (or in the bathtub.)
I have since come to terms that it is OK not to be “strong” all the time… Because today’s truth about God is made perfect in our weakness.
God is Strong.
Yes. God is stronger than we could ever ask, need or imagine Him to be. Nothing can break Him. He commands the wind and the rain, He formed the heavens and the earth. He holds us up when we are about to fall and He never gets overwhelmed.
He doesn’t hold us to God-strength standards. In fact, He makes us weak in some areas of life so that His power can be made perfect… just as it says in 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.”
Only in our weakness can we truly experience God’s incredible strength.
Only in our weakness can others see God’s miraculous power.
Because God is strong. All the time. In all situations.
Think to yourself for a moment: When have you experienced God’s strength at its mightiest? What was the result? Join the conversation by leaving a comment here.
My “tough girl” attitude still persists. I still desire to be strong and for others to be inspired by the way I live my life… But now I know that it isn’t a strength that comes from me– it is a strength that comes from God. When other people look at our lives and say “Wow, I don’t know how you do it– you are so strong!” my heart’s desire is to say “It’s all God.”
Because it is. My strength comes from God. He is strong. He equips me to bear more than I could ever imagine all for His glory.
And all of that macho feed sack lifting of my younger days? Yeah, they ain’t got nothing on this new-found God strength.
Don’t worry about your weaknesses, my friend. Cling to God and His strength.
Because God is strong.
Strong in Christ,
“Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?” ~Deuteronomy 3:24 NIV
Linking up today with Michelle via Hear it Sunday~Use it Monday, Laura at Playdates with God, Joan’s Beauty in His Grip, and Inspire me Monday. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
