Weakness

We all have them. Weak places. Places inside that make us wonder if we'll ever get it together like the "together people." Places that make us feel less than. Less than victorious. Less than a conqueror. Less than strong.

My weak places frustrate me – especially this time of the year. I just resolved to do better a at the New Year and already I’m slipping. And yet I refuse to resign that I can't ever change.

With the power of Christ all things can be made new. All broken things are subject to restoration. But sometimes I get so tired of trying and I just feel weak. Can you relate?

So what are some weak places for me? A money situation that seems impossible? A relationship issue that frustrates you to your core? A temper that flares? An insecurity that stings? A family dysfunction that is always brewing? A food issue that rages even though you just signed up for that new diet program? Yea... I know all of those personally!

Whatever it is, however large it may loom:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26).

We don't have to have all the answers. We don't have to make suggestions to God. It's okay to be so tired of our weak places that we run out of words to pray.

Look at the beautiful verses written to us tucked in around Romans 8:26 about weak places...

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit(Romans 8:1).

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9a).

"....If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b).

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.(Romans 8:37).

Maybe I need to sit still for just a moment or two today. Quietly sit without the weight of condemnation or the swirl of trying to figure things out. Quiet, with nothing but the absolute assurance the Spirit helps us in my weakness.

He understands my weak places. He knows what to pray. There is a purpose to this weakness. Though it doesn't feel good, things will be worked out in a way that good will come from it (Romans 8:28).

In that quiet stillness while the Spirit prays for us and we just simply soak in truth, there will be a flicker of light. A slight trickle of hope. A grace so unimaginable, we'll feel His power overshadowing our weakness.

My relationships may not be sufficient. My circumstances may not be sufficient. My finances may not be sufficient. My willpower may not be sufficient. My confidence may not be sufficient. But He is and has been, and forever will be.

His grace is sufficient for me , for his power is made perfect in my weakness

So instead of wallowing in my weak place, I will try to let the Spirit reveal the one positive step I can take today. I will wash away the condemnation with the warmth of His grace. I will receive His power. And I will rename the weak place, my strong place. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10b).

Father God, I know I am weak without You. Please help me to have just enough faith to get through the next situation I will face today. And then enough faith for the next. Lord, even though it feels like nothing is going right and that no one cares... I know that you are here holding my hand!