Leaning on God: Finding Strength in Our Weakness

Leaning on God: Finding Strength in Our Weakness

As humans, we tend to rely on our own strength and abilities to navigate through life. We take pride in our achievements and believe that we can overcome anything with our own strength. However, the reality is that we are weak and fragile beings, and our strength is limited. It is only when we recognize our weakness and lean on God that we can find true strength and courage.

The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who leaned on God in times of weakness and difficulty. One such example is the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and later thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit. Despite his circumstances, Joseph did not lose faith in God. Instead, he leaned on God and trusted in His plan for his life. Eventually, Joseph became a ruler in Egypt and was able to provide for his family during a time of famine.

Another example is the story of David, who faced many trials and tribulations throughout his life. Despite his weaknesses and failures, David always turned to God for strength and guidance. In one of his psalms, David writes, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2 NLT).

The Apostle Paul is also an excellent example of someone who leaned on God in times of weakness. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes about a “thorn in his flesh” that he had to endure. Despite his prayers for God to remove the thorn, God did not. Instead, God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). Paul came to understand that it is in our weakness that God’s strength is made perfect.

When we lean on God in our weakness, we are not only acknowledging our dependence on Him, but we are also allowing His strength to be made perfect in us. We are reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” It is only when we submit to God and trust in Him that our paths will be made straight.

Leaning on God is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit our weakness and to trust in God’s strength. When we lean on God, we are acknowledging that we cannot do it on our own and that we need His help. We are reminded in Philippians 4:13 that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It is only through Christ that we can find true strength and courage.

In conclusion, leaning on God is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. It requires us to continually trust in Him and to seek His guidance and strength. We are reminded in Isaiah 40:31 that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” When we lean on God, we will find the strength to soar on wings like eagles and to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.