In the previous column, I shared a few ways weaknesses become our own worst enemies. In this column, I will continue to provide you with additional ways to address weaknesses and discover your strengths.
Recognize the Difference Between Worldly Strength and Spiritual Strength
Please don’t neglect your responsibility to stand strong, even when you don’t feel like it. Remember, after your salvation, God left you here for a purpose — to be a witness for His Son, Jesus Christ.
Do not let the unbelieving “bullies” of the world take the joy of your salvation and cause you to hide your testimony. You have that truth from Christ, who said, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Do not be fooled, Satan wants you to be weak, but God wants you to be strong. And He has given you the armor to stand up and be strong! Here is a reminder from Paul: “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11 NIV1984). God has not provided that spiritual armor for just a few; He has provided it for everyone who has put trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Wisdom Enables One to Know God Cares and will Provide
As we believers develop our trust in the Lord, we realize that without God, those weaknesses we possess will lead us to daily defeat because we tend to rely on our worldly strength rather than the power of God. King Solomon wrote, “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength” (Prov. 24:5).
The wise believer must also look to the Lord, asking the Holy Spirit to encourage and guide against the weaknesses that confront them. The Spirit, then, will point the believer to the Word of God, where they can find true direction and strength to overcome their weaknesses.
Overcoming Weakness Requires Developing a Proper Focus
For most of my 61-year ministry, I have said, “It is not ‘what’ you know that counts, but ‘Who’ you know.” That is the only reason I am going to Heaven. However, it is also the reason I have found, in my weaknesses, that God gives me the strength to overcome them.
The songwriter penned, “Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door.” To many believers, in desperation, will bow and quote the “Lord’s Prayer.” But friends, when we recognize our weaknesses, we must turn to the Lord. In His time, which is the right time for you, He will give you strength.
Take a Good Look
Look Upward! “I will lift my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). No one — absolutely no one can overcome spiritual weakness alone. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:6-7).
Look inward! The writer of Proverbs offered valuable advice that I believe helps us gain the strength to overcome our weaknesses. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Prov. 4:23). While many may deal with physical and emotional weakness, it is the spiritual weakness that hinders so greatly.
Look to God! “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
