I've been thinking about a quotation I heard from Allistar Begg in
a recent message I heard a while back:
"If dependence on God is the
objective, then weakness is advantage."
I think
this is quite profound. It certainly seems to be corollary to the Apostle
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-12
"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength
is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
How
often don't we resist or even resent weaknesses, trials and troubles? Yet,
these are the very means by which the Lord draws us closer to Him. Any trial or
adversity that draws us nearer to the Lord or causes us to depend more upon
Him, is in the bigger picture, a blessing.
Ironically,
in recent months, one of my recurring prayers has been that the Lord would mold
me into a more effective and faithful minister of the Gospel. My hope is that
the Lord would use me to strengthen the church I pastor and advance the broader
work of the Kingdom. In recent weeks I've faced a few trials and
discouragements, and have concluded that these were in affect the Lord's answer
to my prayers.
"For when I am weak, then I am strong."
When we
recognize our own inadequacies or weaknesses, we learn afresh our need of God
and His grace. When we recognize this, we will the more earnestly seek
His aid and depend upon Him.
Truth be
told we all need to believe and endure like Job. He endured loss of loved ones,
financial ruin, and even his health, and responds to his exasperated wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God,
and shall we not accept adversity?” The Lord works in mysterious ways. He
is pleased when we persevere through trials, when we trust His Word and hold
fast to our integrity for His sake. As Peter says, “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit
their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
Seems the point is that we should trust in God all the time, especially
when going through trials.
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