Even people who consider themselves courageous and strong have times when they feel overcome with weakness and fear. When we begin to dread life, and it feels so hard to keep stepping forward through the daily challenges, we may sense the need to give up and quit. At this point it would be easy to fall into self-pity, or self-loathing for not being stronger, BUT that would only lead us in the wrong direction…. to emotional and spiritual defeat. We must remember at times like these that our loving Lord is close, even if we are not feeling it(faith not feeling), because He is on our side and unconditionally loves and accepts us at our weakest point. In fact, being weak has its spiritual advantages, because in this state we know we can’t do or fix anything by ourselves. We desperately need God’s help and the desperation turns us towards Him. As we focus on Jesus, grace will help us realize that He is our hope and the help we need to continue on, and triumph in our daily lives. He promises that in our weakness His grace, favor, mercy, and loving-kindness will be enough and that He will help us to bear our troubles with courage. Then it gets better, because He promises that in our weakest state He will stay close in our hearts, that His strength and power will be developed within our spirits. Remember, He cannot do this wonderful work in us if we believe we are strong. That is why Paul said, “I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ may rest and dwell upon me!” God is doing a work in our lives, and it is a process. So, when we feel weak and overwhelmed, let’s remember that His Holy Spirit is present within us and will help us through the hard time. His favor toward us is sufficient, and His power within us is a work in progress. We don’t have to be defeated!

“But He said to me, My grace[My favor and loving-kindness and mercy] is enough for you[sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully] for My strength and power are made perfect [fulfilled and completed] and show them selves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ [the Messiah] may rest, yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell upon me!”(2Corinthians 12:9).