And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV
STRENGTH Definition -The quality or state of being strong: capacity for exertion or endurance.
We need God’s strength. We need a strength exchange with Him. We gain this strength when we are weak. It’s not during the easy times that we grow or are strengthened. It’s through the rough times we get closer, lean more, and grow stronger – recognizing it is not our strength that got us through. It is God’s.
In the past 6 to 8 years, thankfully I have been blessed to personally experience God in new revelations. Can I say emphatically there have been numerous battles on what I would call “several fronts?” I have experienced as Paul described – being strong in my weaknesses. These experiences have not happened haphazardly. They have all taken place purposefully to show the strength of God in and through me. I am prayerfully careful, as Paul was, to give glory where it is due and to glory in my tribulation.
It was and is still is a little crazy. (Telling it in this brief summary is difficult.)
Let’s see, I was falsely attacked and talked about negatively professionally by some who I thought were close to me (and I had assisted in the past). The statewide grant I worked with and led was in the process of ending and then ended. I started my own company and a new contract with a different agency, but shortly afterward I found out I was very sick and had to go on oxygen 24/7. My mother then became ill. (At that time, I pushed Mom in wheelchair with my own large oxygen tank in tow to her appointments.) Praise God, I struggled but continued to work the two contracts for my business while I was sick.
That’s not it…
Then a few months later the pandemic hit. My middle brother died. A family member had a mental breakdown. The 2nd grant I worked with for the state ended and my hours got shortened. My Dad became ill and then had some memory issues. Off and on I’ve had one or two of my grandnieces in my guardianship and in my house. My mom was hospitalized again for an extended period.
Oh, and let’s not forget my neighborhood flooded completely. (Yeah, neighbors were being evacuated by boat.) Family members have acted up/attacked me verbally in between these and other incidents. Recently there was another mental breakdown by a family member and another allegedly attempted suicide. Then, my Dad passed suddenly in his sleep.
There are times I thought I would lose my mind due to the stress and strain.
But God…
Only through God’s grace, mercy, and strength have there also been blessings throughout! My strength in God is being made “perfect” in my personal weakness.
Through these experiences I’ve learned and been built up to know God is –
THE HEALER! Only through my own sickness could I have learned this. The healing wasn’t of any doing of my own or really even of the doctors. I came off of oxygen!! No lung disease was present!! Doctors would speak to me as if this weren’t possible. I haven’t had shortness of breath since.
Also my Mom recovered from her last illness and stay in the hospital. It was rough as she had unpredicted set backs daily. God brought her through her struggle. Although my Dad passed suddenly, prior to that My Mom and Dad were both in relatively good health! My Dad died in his sleep, and as far as I know he did not suffer. Glory!
I learned God is –
THE PROVIDER! Glory to God through my issues I was led to start my own business. Only God could set up provision the way He has through this ongoing process. When one door has shut, another has opened. One opportunity ends, another begins. I get nervous about cash flow and here comes blessings. God has has proven himself faithful!
The flood came and pardon the pun – I waded through it. Physically and mentally with prayer, I managed through unknown territory of recovery of property not knowing the process at all. Through that experience I pray I helped others which I believe is a show of strength.
In addition, God has provided as I manage my parents’ and my households. It is only by His transfer of strength I have made or managed it as their caregiver and also as the caregiver for some of my grands – but I do…
I learned God is –
THE HELPER! I couldn’t have existed through any of this without prayer and scripture. I learned that I need study and meditation time. I learned I gained strength by sharing testimony and gained strength and encouragement through association and friendship with other believers.
It is through God that we live breath and have our being. (Acts 17:28) He is the orchestrator of it all and makes provision for every situation.
God’s been granting a strength exchange. In my weakness He’s proven Himself and become stronger in my life. I’m learning more and more to lean on Him only. There’s no strength that can compare to His to help me get through all that I need.
“that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
Ephesians 3:16-19 KJV
I’m not perfect. I don’t possess everything or have all the answers – but God does. I know I’m growing and learning through all of my situations. I know He provides strength.
lifeandgodliness 