When God wants to use an individual, He doesn’t always choose the brightest and most beautiful. He did that once. Remember Lucifer? So, it should be no surprise that when God wanted to lead the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, He chose Moses, who thought he was the worst choice God could make.
And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. (Ex. 4:10-12)
The Apostle Paul had similar feelings with his physical malady. He thought he’d be more useful if he was normal. (Some think he was blind or nearly blind.) On three occasions he prayed God would heal him. But no. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Cor 12:9-10)
Paul learned that lesson so well that he applied it to his financial necessities. To the Philippians he wrote, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:11-13)
Moses and Paul learned that self-image based on personal strength is harmful if you’re trying to achieve God’s glory God’s way. Do you want to experience God? It won’t be by your smarts, strength and money. These are things I’ve thought about for years. Embrace weakness. It’s a major point in my book “Ditch Depression Devotional: 31 Days to Biblical Hope, Peace & Emotional Balance.” I have an entire section in that book on “inner posture.”
Some people are weak hearted by nature and struggle with depression more than others. But it’s those weak people whom I think God looks for to draw close to Him. How about this verse? For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isa. 57:15)
When you think of power and weakness in the same sentence, I bet you don’t think of Jesus. But read this: For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. (2 Cor 13:4)
Here’s the key. Take your eyes off your inadequacies. Rather, let them draw your mind, heart and expectation to God and His glory shining through your life. That’s the powerful thing about weakness. Embrace it.
The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. (Isa. 2:11)
Jody
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