SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1231

“We Are Powerless”

O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:12

Jehoshaphat’s prayer to God when the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites came against Judah indicates that he realized just how powerless they were without God. Our tendency is to believe that we are powerful, strong, and invincible, then a microscopic virus throws the entire world population into a tailspin, and we realize just how powerless we really are.

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31

In our youth we don’t give a second thought to being weak, but as we age, we become more keenly aware of our need for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. The wisdom that comes from years of walking with the Lord teaches us that such strength and renewal of strength is only found in the Lord.

Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! – Psalm 68:35

It is only through the abiding presence of Jesus in us that we have true power for living in this fallen and corrupt world. We can do nothing apart from Him.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – 1 Chronicles 16:11

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

When we feel weak and powerless against whatever we are facing, God’s grace is sufficient to take us through it.

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; I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:13

In life, we may spread the sail, but it is the Lord who provides the wind.

May you acknowledge your powerlessness against the ‘great hordes’ of challenges that life this side of heaven throws at you.

May you continually seek the abiding presence, power, and peace of the Lord, Jesus.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might; that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being – Ephesians 6:10; 3:16