Glimpses of Truth

Weakness or Strength?

Part II

Many have seen the strongest man in the world in person, while others have seen him on TV or read about him in news publications.  I suppose that must be a big honor to carry that title.  You never hear very much about the weakest man in the world.  There are not many people who are lined up to get that title.  Or are there?

If we were to receive a title, would it be one of strength or one of weakness?  As believers in Christ, we are subject to be characterized as one who is weak.  Just because we are believers does not mean that we are perfect; it simply means that we are forgiven.  For, you see, temptation comes to all of us.  James says, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God, for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”  James 1:13.  God cannot tempt us with evil, since evil is completely contrary to all that He is.  Blaming God is not new, however.  Even Adam blamed God for his disobedience:  “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat.”  Genesis 3:12.  You see, Adam blamed both the woman and God.  He really said, “God, you gave me this woman, so ultimately you are to blame and you are responsible for my sin.”  But remember, also, Eve was no better.  When the Lord questioned her as to what she had done, she answered, “The serpent beguiled me and I did eat.”  Genesis 3:13.  So Eve blamed the serpent for her sin.

Who or what are we blaming for our weakness?  Someone once told me, “I can’t help it that I’m so weak.  My environment is bad.”  Some may say, “My parents were too strict” or “My employer is unfair” or “The government is negligent.”  Isn’t it easy to excuse ourselves and say there is something else that is weak that makes me weak?  Remember, victory only begins, strength only begins when we honestly acknowledge our need and our failure and acknowledge Who our strength is.  To really triumph, we must submit our life to Christ, for salvation is the first step to strength over temptation.

Secondly, as believers, we have the privilege of prayer.  Do you need help in overcoming a weakness?  James says, “Ask God.”  Do you need deliverance from the powers of sin?  Then ask God.

Thirdly, we must never forget the importance of the Word of God.  Jesus Himself put Satan to flight by doing one thing, and that was quoting the Scripture.  He said, “It is written.”  So, to receive strength, we must go to the Word of God.

And then, as believers, we must remember and submit ourselves to the indwelling Holy Spirit, for God has promised in I John 4:4, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.”

Are you weak?  Are you tempted?  Just remember, during temptation, God is faithful.