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 Share on XBlessings,
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,
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!
Ann, I love it when God does that! Thank you, my friend.
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
Thank you, Marilyn. It means so much to have friends who pray for you. Blessings to you and Doug!
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.
Lori, I need to remember that often when I want to hold back because I’m afraid of being weak in an area. 🙂
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!
Melissa, may He do exceedingly abundantly beyond all you can ask or imagine!
As always, beautiful and wise words!
Thank you, Debbie!
Experiencing just such a night as yours.
But God will get me through,
Jennifer
Jennifer, May you experience His love in a deep way.
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!!
Pam, it does help to know we aren’t alone. Blessings to you, my friend.
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!
Thank you, Lisa. And I hope you get a good night’s sleep!
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!
Amen, Stacey! So neat when God confirms what He’s saying.
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!
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.
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
Ann, you are a gift. Thanks so much for your encouragement and thoughts. We do need each other!
Wonderful post, drink freely of His Spirit.
Amen, Rebecca. So nice to hear from you!
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!
Bettie, thank you for this testimony of how God does that for us!
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.
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.
Such a great reminder. Not by my strength, but by His.
Yes! I’m so thankful. Thanks, Marilyn.