02.02

Grace Perfecting Strength in Weakness ""My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is
made perfect in weakness" He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He
increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount
up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
(2 Corinthians 12:9 and Isaiah 40:29-31)"

When the subject of spiritual strength is raised, our thinking often turns in one of two
directions. Either we consider how we can muster up our own strength, or we dwell on our
own weakness, doubting that adequate strength can ever be found. Well, it is clear from
the Scriptures that God does not expect mere human strength to be sufficient for our
spiritual callings. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall
utterly fall." Natural strength is never more evident than in youth. Yet, even that supply
is not what people need for spiritual endurance.

God's word is also clear that an awareness of our weakness need never lead to despair over
finding strength. Actually, the opposite is true. When we realize our drastic
insufficiency, that is God's reminder to seek His supply of strength. "He gives power to
the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength." Those who admit that they
are weak are the very ones to whom God offers His strength. Those who confess that they
have no might at all are the people God strengthens increasingly.

It is an amazing truth that God's strength is perfected (displayed the most fully) in the
arena of our own weaknesses. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made
perfect in weakness." Whenever we agree with God concerning our complete frailty in any
given area of life, His grace is available to meet the need. Whenever we personally look
to Him to pour out that strength, we will find that it is sufficient. "Those who wait on
the LORD shall renew their strength."

Waiting upon the Lord involves hoping in Him and placing our expectations upon Him, not
upon ourselves. For all who depend upon Him in view of their own weakness, "they shall
mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not
faint." Thereby, our confession can be: "I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

"Lord, You are my only hope and my sufficient strength. On my own I am hopeless and
powerless. Thank You for Your gracious patience when I think my human strength is enough.
Lord, I am weak; give me Your power. I have no might; increase Your strength in me. I wait
upon You. I put my expectations in You. Unleash Your glorious grace in me, perfecting Your
all-sufficient strength in my life, in Jesus' name, Amen."