“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.” - Romans 8:26a
I read the story of a 10-year-old boy who decided to study judo although he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident.
The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. He was doing well, so he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move. "Sensei," the boy finally said, "shouldn’t I be learning more moves?"
"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know," the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.
Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind: "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"
"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you’ve almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm."
What the boy had seen as his biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.
You’ve lived with what you have perceived to be a weakness for a whole long time. Anger, abuse, depression... divorced parents... migraines... OCD... doubt...
What are we supposed to do with our weaknesses? The Bible has a reply.
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Scripture tells us that when we are weak... God is strong. We shouldn’t shy away from or blame away our weaknesses... but instead... recognize them and realize that those areas of our life are where God’s power will get us through. Is God enough to get you through those depressing days? Does He have enough power to help you come to terms with past abuse? Can God REALLY heal? Can you really trust Him?
Yes... He is more than enough... and He is always good... and He is always love... and He is never-changing... and He is forever faithful... and He is everywhere at one time... and He is the beginning and the end... and He loves you... and He will never stop... and He always knows what’s best... and He knew we’d be weak in some area... and He created us anyway... and He has a purpose for us... and He wants us to turn to Him when we run out of our own power.
God made you for a reason... weaknesses and all.
Don’t let the devil trick you into thinking you’re irreparably broken. Leverage that part of your life and allow God to fill those dark spaces with light. He doesn’t love you any less because you’ve had setbacks... you are His child and He loves you with the warm embrace of a father who cares.
Why do we have weaknesses? To show God’s power in and through them. And once we persevere through the trials... we are able to assist others through those same issues in their own lives. We may be weak in the situation... but the pain becomes useful when we help others realize that they aren’t alone... and remind them that they will get through it... and that God still does what seems impossible.
Sounds like strength to me.
