When I Am Weak, He is Strong

The following is an excerpt from my book titled Moms in Motion, written in 2002.

“Can you finish up the class, Deb?” asked Trish, our group fitness instructor.

Suddenly, a dozen pair of eyes looked at me. It was a simple question, but part of me was hesitant to volunteer the expected answer.  My mind, however, responded in an instant. See my shirt? Where does it say member since 2001? Hello. This is Mickey Mouse I’m wearing. I’m just here to have fun. I don’t talk in groups.

The interruption came from the babysitting area. The instructor’s daughter needed a diaper change. Judging from the expression of the smiling staff member, she was happy for the gym policy that deferred this duty to the parent.

Weakly I answered “sure.” Then, “No, really I don’t mind,” I heard my voice say.

After a few floor exercises I forgot what usually came next. Nonetheless I directed the class through a different variation of floor exercises as if planned. Oblique crunches, reverse sit-ups at a two-count, everyone was sure to find a couple of cans in their “six pack” after this cool down.    

Stretching came next. And just as we started the last segment, Trish came back from the childcare area. I was thankful for her to take over the class. But to my surprise she humbly followed suit with the rest of the ladies in the group. “Deb you’re doing a great job. Go ahead and finish up,” she encouraged.  

Afterwards I was quietly jubilant. Public speaking was never one of my strengths and never something I sought to practice.

How true the scripture which says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is make perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). Sometimes it takes a visual illustration for the message in God’s Word to find a lodging point. Today’s lesson was a perfect example. No flaming bush. No trumpet blast. But a diaper?!

Walk by Faith

The Bible is a reservoir of strength and encouragement. Just as a refreshing glass of water needs to be brought to the lips to receive, likewise the living water of God’s word touching the lips and flowing forth can provide much-needed inner strength.   

If you need to do some spiritual aerobics, decree this:

I will walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

A thousand may fall at my side, and 10,000 at my right hand but it shall not come near me. (Psalms 91:7).

God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7).

I will cast all my care upon Him, for He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7)

 Completion and Perfection

Did you happen to notice that each of the above verses is a 7th verse in a chapter? This strikes a chord with me, and I think its prophetic to the message Holy Spirit is wanting to communicate here.

You may very well know that the number 7 symbolizes completion, perfection, and divine fulfillment. A primary example of this are the seven days in a week.

Also, complete and perfect is the blood covenant Jesus ratified while we were yet sinners, according to Romans 5:8. Covenant rights are contractual and require something on both parties. Jesus asks us to simply come as we are. Not later. Not when we’re a better version of ourselves. He will meet you where you are, now. You don’t need to be perfect. And you don’t need to perform.

This is because the Kingdom of heaven operates in a different economy of exchange.

Consider, Jesus Himself said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NLT). That doesn’t seem like a fair trade. When we bring our insufficiencies to Him, He gives to us out of His treasury every good and precious gift.

So, when you’re weak, you can say, I am strong in the Lord in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10)

Permit His gifts. His anointing. Working in and through you, to embolden, shape, restore, forgive; whatever the case may be. Ask that His work be perfected in you to manifest His Kingdom plans. Plans to prosper you and give you a hope Jeremiah 29:11 says.

Will you receive?

I encourage you to be in faith. Be strengthened. And He will equip you.

Dedicated to Emylee Austin