The thing is, I come from a family of strong people, and it's anathema to say that we are not feeling strong. But sometimes I think that not knowing how to admit weakness is a fatal flaw for us.
I admit it: I am weak. I have no strength left within me. And I am at a place where I desperately need God to step in.
So back to my question. No more than 30 seconds after asking, thoughts starting flooding my mind:
- What if leaning on God's strength simply means remembering my salvation?
- What if it's as simple as knowing that no matter what happens to me here and now, in the next phase of life after this earthly existence, I am saved from eternal damnation?
- What if nothing here matters to me in light of my sure salvation?
I know that what I do here matters; that's not what I'm saying, and I don't think that's what He was saying to me. But my reaction to the things that happen here can make or break me.
For too long I have allowed circumstances to evoke a reaction in me: A strong stance for or against (whatever). I have allowed other people's opinions and preferences to sway me from the truth. I have put on a mask of strength so that no one can see how broken I am. I have disguised my pain, hidden my suffering, and even downplayed my triumphs so I don't offend or discomfort anyone.
I think what God was saying is that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I take joy in my salvation and that gives me strength to face whatever it is that I am facing. And that the things I am doing here in my earthly existence are building blocks for my heavenly life to come. I am working toward the place God has for me.
And the trials I face here give me a story to tell; a witness for Him. I have been there and made it through. I leaned into His strength and He helped me endure. I failed, but then I persevered and made it through.
My stories can encourage others to be strong; to lean on Him and His strength.
What if every time I feel weak, I say - out loud if necessary - "I am saved from hell by the blood of Christ. No evil worked against me shall prosper. No matter the outcome here, I will not only survive, but thrive. And God's work will be done!"
What a sense of freedom this gives me! Stress, worry, and fear drain away.
What joy and hope! My hearts fills and goes soaring.
And above all what STRENGTH is mine, through Him!
What joy and hope! My hearts fills and goes soaring.
And above all what STRENGTH is mine, through Him!
NOTE: I understand that these are not new thoughts in general, and that I may have even said some of these same things before. What I will say to that is this: sometimes it takes me a long time to hear and understand. And I don't guarantee that it will sink in all the way this time. I need time, as we all do, to ponder, play with, push around, discuss, and absorb new insights. Your thoughts are encouraged and very welcome.
Sharon - thank you for sharing this. I was just reading Luke 10 this morning, and Jesus seems to be echoing what you are saying here. (Luke 10:18-20, Message) Jesus said, “I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”
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