“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
In general, it is difficult for us to admit that we make mistakes and almost always try to hide it. But we have to know that He also uses our weaknesses for His purposes. When we fall and recognize our mistake, the Lord lifts us up, in that experience our character is strengthened, we are more aware of His power and His mercy for us.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of power may be from GOD, and not from us” 2 Corinthians 4:7.
The Apostle Paul begged God to remove a burden that seemed to limit him. God’s response was: “My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s words present us with a great lesson, the power of GOD is even stronger and more perfect when we humbly confront our weaknesses.
Thus, it is important to recognize and correct our faults before God, because without doing so our hearts fill with pride and we feel self-sufficient and unable to accept that we need someone else. Scripture teaches us that the Lord looks at the haughty from afar, so our weaknesses are useful to keep us humble, recognizing that we are imperfect and need God.
If today you feel weak, sad or anguished, once again raise your face firmly and remember that demonstrated strengths speak of our value, but overcoming weaknesses show our character and at the lowest point in your life, is when the God’s power is manifested in the greatest and most wonderful way.
A teacher raised a glass of water in his hand in front of the class. The students expected the typical question whether the glass was half empty or half full. However, the teacher’s question was: How much does this glass of water weigh? The students mentioned different amounts of weight, trying to give a correct answer.
The professor continued: I believe that the actual weight is not what matters. It all depends on how long I hold it in my hand. If I hold it up for a minute or two, the glass is pretty light. If I hold it for an hour it will feel heavier and it will make my arm hurt a little. If I hold it up for a whole day, it will make my arm numb and paralyzed to the point where I feel compelled to drop the glass.
Mistakes are like a glass of water. Their weight depends on how long you hold them. If you think a little about them you will probably feel that you can handle them. If you think more, you will feel that it hurts a little. But if you keep them spinning in your head all day, they can paralyze you and cause you a lot of damage if you don’t let go.
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
It is inevitable not to make mistakes in life that worry us, but it is important to learn to trust God and let Him help us. Trust in the God of the impossible. Let Him take your burdens and you will feel the peace and tranquility that He can give you.
Rev. Rafael Martinez
(Illustration taken from the line: Huellas Divinas)