How to Overcome Weakness with God’s Strength

How do you overcome weakness?

I rambled into the kitchen wishing I could have stayed in bed. “This is going to be a terrible day,” I muttered to myself. I had a full schedule, and I’d tossed in bed instead of sleeping.

When I have a lot to do, my over-stimulated mind won’t turn off, even when I try to sleep. But it drags when it’s time to get moving. My schedule needed brain power, and my brain felt dull.

That morning I sensed God’s Spirit gently interrupt my prattle. Do you think lack of sleep can squelch God’s power?

Zechariah 4:6 popped into my mind, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts” (NASB).

Of course, God is more powerful than my lack of sleep. He’s greater than my lack of anything. Why was I focusing on how I felt instead of on His strength?

I changed my thoughts and prayed. “Lord Jesus, I give you my day. I ask your Holy Spirit to fill me. Accomplish Your will through me today.”

That night I realized it had been a wonderful day. Our Bible study had enjoyed a dynamic discussion. God had even provided an unexpected break in the late afternoon. My lack had been an avenue for His power (2 Cor. 12:9).

A Reliable Power Source

Ephesians 5:18 says, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (NLT).

While alcohol impairs an inebriated person’s speech, attitude, and actions, the Holy Spirit empowers those things.

Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephes. 5:19-21 NLT).

When we ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, we are praying according to His will and know that He hears us and will answer us (1 Jn. 5:14-15). To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be emptied of anything that conflicts with His will.

We must choose to cooperate with His will even if we don’t feel differently. We walk by faith trusting Him to supply the power to obey and please Him.

Are you feeling empowered or weary? Are you prepared or overwhelmed for the work God has for you?

As God reminded me that morning, it doesn’t matter how we feel. What matters is in whose strength we choose to operate? Will you bring your lack—and your strengths—to God and invite Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit and empower you?

Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. Zech. 4:6 #HolySpirit, #Power Click To Tweet

Click here to comment.

Blessings,

Photo by Kevin Borrill on Unsplash

Sometimes I link up with these great sites:

Tea &Word Tuesday, #Kelly Balarie & Friends#Recharge Wednesday, #Coffee for Your Heart, #TuneinThursaday, #HeartEncouragment #Dance with Jesus, #Grace and Truth,

 

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30 Comments

30 Comments

  1. Ann Musico

    Oh Debbie not only was this a wonderful, encouraging post – God used it as confirmation for something I have been standing in prayer about. That exact scripture has been key and as soon as I saw your post I knew He was confirming His Word to me. Thank you!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Ann, I love it when God does that! Thank you, my friend.

  2. Marilyn Couch

    Debbie, thanks for sharing how
    you’re honest before the Lord &
    willing to ask & receive His Strength in place of your weakness. It really is the exchanged life. I need Him every
    hour. Praying for you – thanks for yours. Love, Marilyn

    • Debbie Wilson

      Thank you, Marilyn. It means so much to have friends who pray for you. Blessings to you and Doug!

  3. Lori Altebaumer

    This is the reminder I need. I am guilty of just giving up on my day if I didn’t get a good night’s sleep. I use it as an excuse to avoid tackling anything that might be difficult. “Do you think lack of sleep can squelch God’s power” —WOW! Conviction! Thanks for the lesson.

    • Debbie Wilson

      Lori, I need to remember that often when I want to hold back because I’m afraid of being weak in an area. 🙂

  4. Melissa Henderson

    I need this encouragement this week. Lots of great activities volunteering, reading, and definitely finding time to write. God will give me strength to shine His love in all I say and do. Thank you for this message. Have a blessed day!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Melissa, may He do exceedingly abundantly beyond all you can ask or imagine!

  5. Debbie

    As always, beautiful and wise words!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Thank you, Debbie!

  6. Tea With Jennifer

    Experiencing just such a night as yours.
    But God will get me through,
    Jennifer

    • Debbie Wilson

      Jennifer, May you experience His love in a deep way.

  7. Pam

    I can identify strongly with your experience in this. Sometimes just hearing someone else’s that is similar is a blessing. I am grateful it happens less often now and I am better at entering into His rest, but there are days and times that I need to stand again and remember His Word. Thanks!!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Pam, it does help to know we aren’t alone. Blessings to you, my friend.

  8. Lisa notes

    Ooh, I need to hear this, Debbie! “God is more powerful than my lack of sleep.” As someone who struggles often with insomnia, I love being reminded that God can work with us and through us regardless of our weaknesses. Thanks!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Thank you, Lisa. And I hope you get a good night’s sleep!

  9. Stacey Pardoe

    I love this, Debbie! I just got done writing a blog post on this exact topic! May we learn to embrace our weaknesses as we lean into his perfect strength!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Amen, Stacey! So neat when God confirms what He’s saying.

  10. Toby

    unfortunately man will never be able to get rid of the sin problem…. while the Holy Spirit encourages us and strengthens us I think it’s most important to remember the cross and the resurrection where Gods love and grace declares us not guilty no matter what the sin is. Thanks for your good work Debbie!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Toby, you’re right. Only the cross and resurrection solve our sin problem. Today we much live by faith in the one who loved us. Thanks for your thoughts.

  11. Ann

    Debbie,

    This is SUCH a good word! My mother used to tell me that “as we age” things change. I’ve discovered that my sleep patterns have changed. I rarely have a night when I’m not up at least 2 times. I have had the tendency to rely on my own strength (or lack thereof) to fuel my day. God wants me to rely on His strength whether I’ve had sleep or not. Thanks so very much for this reminder. It’s so nice to have Godly friends who will speak the truth like you do.

    Love and honor you,
    Ann

    • Debbie Wilson

      Ann, you are a gift. Thanks so much for your encouragement and thoughts. We do need each other!

  12. Rebecca Jones

    Wonderful post, drink freely of His Spirit.

    • Debbie Wilson

      Amen, Rebecca. So nice to hear from you!

  13. BettieG

    I love this paraphrase that you offered: “My lack had been an avenue for His power (2 Cor. 12:9).” He is showing me that this year–He is actually drawn to me, and His compassions are moved because of my weaknesses. He is so precious and mighty for us! Thank you for these beautiful words!

    • Debbie Wilson

      Bettie, thank you for this testimony of how God does that for us!

  14. Dawn Wilson

    Awesome article. A simple concept we tend to overlook (perhaps because we forget God may have greater purposes for us than we see in the moment, and end up living independent of His wisdom and strength—even though we would say we are trusting Him). I identify with your opening scenario, Debbie (we are such heart sisters), and I choose to follow your wise and biblical counsel. Thanks.

    • Debbie Wilson

      Thank you, Dawn. What a great insight: “God may have greater purposes for us than we see in the moment, and end up living independent of His wisdom and strength—even though we would say we are trusting Him.” I need to remember that too.

  15. Marilyn

    Such a great reminder. Not by my strength, but by His.

    • Debbie Wilson

      Yes! I’m so thankful. Thanks, Marilyn.

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