Power in Weakness – Week Two

Have you ever felt like the odds are stacked against you? Like you want to serve God but don’t have what it takes? Maybe you are trying to follow Him, but instead of a clear path, it feels more like you are running through an obstacle course. The more you try to do good, the more the challenges seem to come. 

What does it mean when you face difficulties, insecurities, and challenges? Does it mean that God is not at work in your life? Does it mean you are unqualified to serve Him? 

While I may not know your story personally, I speak with confidence when I say, “Absolutely not!” Often we get confused and think that we need to have it all together, everything needs to be running on course, and we have to live a perfect life for God to use us. But that is not all what God’s word tells us. 

Let me share one example. In Jeremiah chapter 1, we meet a young Jeremiah conversing with God. God explains that even before Jeremiah was born, he was appointed a prophet to the nations. While this might sound good to us, it didn’t sound so good to Jeremiah. Instead of bringing excitement, God’s words pulled at Jeremiah’s insecurities. All he could think about was how unqualified he was.

Listen to his response to God. “Alas, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6 NASB) That word, alas, stands out to me. It is like he is saying, “hold up – you have the wrong man for the job!”

I wonder, what would your “Alas, Lord God” statement be? Hold up, I’m too _________! Hold up, I not _____________ enough! Hold up, I don’t have ____________! Or hold up, I have too much __________!

When God heard Jeremiah’s concerns, what was His response? It was not to say, “oh yeah, you’re right! How did I miss that? Let me move on to the next guy.” Instead, God rebuked Jeremiah, saying, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and all that I command you, you shall speak.” (Jeremiah 1:7)

God reminded Jeremiah that He was the Almighty God. When He calls someone, He equips that person. When He sends them, He opens the doors. When He commands, He brings it to pass. 

Let’s go back to your “Alas, Lord God” statement. How do you think God is responding to your concerns? I am pretty sure (actually 100% confident) that God has the same message for you that He had for Jeremiah. He is the one who equips, qualifies, opens doors, makes things happen, and brings things to completion – not you and me. 

So if it is not our strength and skills God is looking at, what are His criteria? What is He looking for when He chooses men and women as His servants? What sets those people apart? What do I need to do to be ready to be used by God? 

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, “God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Our heart, not our strength, is what sets us apart. 

In 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Paul challenges believers, “consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.”

Paul goes on to share a personal example of how God worked through him despite his weakness. When Paul visited the church in Corinth, he described his experience, “for I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and fear and in much trembling.” (I Corinthians 2:2-3) He continues by explaining that the impact of his message was not through his own ability or persuasion but through the power of God. Instead of deterring God’s work, Paul’s inadequacies and weakness pointed to God’s strength. 

If you feel weak and inadequate, let go of finding your own way. Look to God. He doesn’t need your strength; He needs your surrender. 

2 Chronicles 16:9 promises, “the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth, so that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”