In the two previous portions of this subject, I emphasized that despite having weaknesses, we have confidence that God’s strength takes care of us. In this final part, I want to emphasize that because of who God is, we can always depend on Him individually, as friends and as members of Christ’s gathering, the church.
• Avoid attributing human traits to God. To better identify with the Almighty, we often use terms to describe Him, such as His hands, His mighty arms, His heart, His eyes and His ears. But God is not visible, nor does He possess those things. God is Spirit. His strength is not in His hands and arms. It is in who He is and in His character — He is holy. He can speak, and what He says will come to pass. After all, He spoke creation into being.
• Avoid attempting to do for yourself. Do you ever try to work everything out on your own? Let me tell you from experience — that does not work! A great Scripture counsels us when we try to do that: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways (we could insert ‘weaknesses’) acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6 NIV1984).
Just as it was at the time of your salvation, when you were helpless, God provided you with faith to believe in His Son and to rely on His strength to rescue you. The hymn writer gave us these lyrics: “I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I.” When you feel overwhelmed and try to do it on your own, cry out to the Lord, and He will give you strength.
• Avoid failing to encourage others. Once you find that God has given you the strength to carry on, look around at your friends and family. You will likely notice they are facing challenges similar to what you once experienced. Do your best to encourage them. Remind them that they, too, cannot do it alone. Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him… Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:9-10, 12).
Offering spiritual encouragement to others does not mean saying, “Go ahead. Do it yourself.” Rather, it involves allowing the work of the Holy Spirit to uplift others as they recognize that you have overcome your weaknesses by calling out to the Lord. When that person finds their strength, they will understand that the three cords that helped were you, them and the Holy Spirit.
• Avoid discontentment. We tend to be discontented with almost everything. The apostle Paul was human, just like we are. But by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul was encouraged to encourage others with these words: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:12-13).
Child of God, through Christ, when you are weak, you are strong!
