Feel Like You Don’t Have What It Takes–You Don’t Need To!
Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV
The Last decade has been a frenzied, whirlwind of activity. My life has so drastically changed from working in finance to writing, speaking, and blogging. In this past year, I took on co-coordinating The Word Awards. Last year, many of you cheered me on as I received the beautiful glass trophy for the Article-Inspirational/Devotional category. Fast forward one year and I was the one handing out the awards. What a change of events! There was more work involved in running the awards than I had ever imagined. All these responsibilities on top of a busy speaking schedule from April to mid-June left me exhausted. Seriously depleted mentally, physically and spiritually. I wrote to you how I knew I Needed To Fill Up My Well because The INfilling must be greater than the OUTpouring, and I didn’t have any What I didn’t realize is that little breather of a break was not enough when you were completely burnt out. I recognized more than ever that; I Don’t Have What It Takes.
Thankfully, I know someone who DOES have what it takes!
I don’t have enough—but HE is more than enough!
Jesus power works best when we’re weak. When I’m weak, He is Strong. It’s a huge comfort to me, to know that I don’t always have to be strong. I don’t always have to have it under control. When I don’t, God does.
In today’s passage, Paul is telling the Corinthian believers about his struggles. To the people, Paul had it all together. To them, he was the voice of God. Since the printing press hadn’t been created yet, Paul’s listeners wouldn’t have their own copies of the Bible. The had to rely on the Rabbis of their day to read and explain Scripture to them. Since ancient times, people have been putting ministers up on pedestals, but they’re just like everyone else. That’s what Paul was trying to explain to them in verses 5-6 of this chapter. He essentially told them, ‘I Don’t Have What It Takes, but Jesus does.’ Paul had his own set of weaknesses, but he didn’t let those weaknesses keep him down. Paul’s life became power-infused when he stopped trying to get out of the difficult situations and realized that God was working through his weakness, to impact the world.
God’s grace was all Paul needed. God’s grace is all you need. Take it, so you can be strong!
Prayer
Father… I thank You for Your power! Your strength brings me hope. So often I feel weak, weary and incapable—like I Don’t Have What It Takes. Help me to take my focus off of my inadequacies, my weaknesses, and my insecurities. Help me to focus on Your strength, Your grace and Your ability to make me strong when I am weak. You are all I need! In Jesus Name…Amen
If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
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- 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
- Ephesians 3:16
- Daniel 10:19
- Philippians 4:13
YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis, Soul Survival – Donna Reidland,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin
