When we realize our weakness, it is then He is made strong in us.

Thank you for joining today as we seek God’s wisdom together. Let us begin with prayer. “Lord Jesus, I ask that you reveal the truth to us today in Your word. I ask that the Holy Spirit lead us into truth and life and change our hearts and minds. In Jesus name, Amen.”

1 Tim. 4:11-16, NASB

“Prescribe and teach these things. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”

Today I was feeling inadequate. I am due to interview for a position that I am academically qualified for and prepared for. However, I was being bombarded with thoughts of my failures and uncertainty as to my success in a new direction for my life. God in His infinite wisdom knew this and sent a messenger to encourage me.

Without provocation my Pastor sent me a text saying He was praying for me today. When I say this was immediately after I was being bombarded, I am not exaggerating. So, I told him what I was thinking and feeling. He encouraged me and reaffirmed the gifts within me and reminded me of the promises God has given to me. He told me about how he and every pastor have these same thoughts whether through enemy attack or just fear. It brought tears to my eyes seeing God answer a prayer I had not yet made. When I was weakest, He sent someone along to hold me up. God then reminded me of the passage I am sharing with you today.

We are not told specifically what is occurring in Timothy’s life at the writing of this letter. However, it is clear that Paul was prompted by the Holy Spirit to encourage him. Notice how Paul reminds Timothy of what he has been promised. Of the giftings that He was given. Of the call of God on his life. Finally, take notice of the reason for this. Paul exhorts him to engage in careful study so that he shares the truth. It is not only for Timothy’s benefit, but also for the benefit of those who have been entrusted to him. These are the same things I needed today and without asking God provided them to me. He then reminded me of his promise to me:

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11).

And gave me a new one, I had not heard from Him before:

“Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me— to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:8-10).”

What an amazing God we have. I am struggling to put it into words what I am feeling. Gratitude, peace, Joy, comfort, reassurance, and trust. The last of these is perhaps the most shocking to me. Because, I have struggled to trust Him fully. Even though He is trustworthy and the one most worthy of our trust I have not always thought He would fight for me and on my behalf. But He has and He will. This may not be the position that His perfect will has for me. However, I know that He has a plan, and He will bring it to fruition. He will also do the same for you. I do not know your circumstances. I do not know the trials and tribulations you are going through, But I do know He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. He is your strong tower and an ever-present help in times of trouble. He has a plan for you, one for prosperity and not for destruction. Don’t let the enemy lie to you and steal your peace. Trust in the Lord and He will carry you through.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6).

If you cannot see a way through as I couldn’t, know that you are in the right place. When you realize your inadequacy, He then is able to go to work.

If you have not received Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I implore you to do so now. All He asks for is for you to accept the free gift He gave you. Therefore, humble yourself and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord of all. He alone is all powerful and you submit to His authority. Next you must believe He did what He did. That is; die on a cross and rise again from the dead. These are both actions of faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for with evidence not seen. Meaning you believe even though you don’t have physical evidence to prove it. I know you made it to this page for a reason and the Holy Spirit is working on your heart. The Father has drawn you and He alone can reveal to you the truth of what I am saying. I know that He is now, and you need to take a step of faith and pray these words with me.

Right where you are; say these words out loud: “Jesus I confess that you are Lord of all, I yield my will to your will for you are greater than me. I believe you came to this world and lived a sinless life; I believe you suffered and died on cross for my sins, I believe they put your lifeless body in a tomb, and three days later you rose from the dead. I confess to you that I am a sinner and ask you to forgive me. I also ask that you send me your Holy Spirit to give me power to live a sanctified life and to lead me into all truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, I urge you to contact us here so that we might come beside you and hold you up in prayer as you begin your journey with Jesus. I assure you that we have all been where you are. We may have committed different sins, but we are just as guilty, nonetheless. We all needed forgiveness and someone else supported us as we began our Journey with Him.

Thank you for joining me today as we searched the scriptures for What the Word is Saying. I pray that God will send His Holy Spirit into our lives anew and fill us again with His love and His purpose for us. So that we can fulfill the mission He left us in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” lockman.org.