Some days I feel like I’m juggling flaming swords just trying to keep all the plates in the air. Making sure they keep spinning keeps my mind spinning too. Being strong is exhausting. You know, you don’t always have to be the strong one.
You really can have it all, but then do you really want it?
Personally, I like being the strong one, but here’s the great irony – strength overused is a weakness.
“But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors.” Hosea 10:13 (NIV)
Push-ups and pushing ourselves
Back straight and nose to the floor, I exhaled and extended my arms, one, again, two, three, four…. Muscles get stronger the more you work them and constantly carrying the load of your problems and everyone else’s makes you a beast. By the way, in case you didn’t know, independence is not a fruit of the spirit.
The end of us
I ran on autopilot for years. When I couldn’t move my muscles, I embraced His plan for me – a year of complete rest, my intermission. Now it feels like we are all living in intermission.
God knew I needed to be dependent, otherwise I depend on myself. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease tailor-made for my spiritual flaws. MG prevents me from relying on my own strength and forced me to depend on God and others. It keeps me from working too hard and planning too much, settling me down so I hear the voice of God. Otherwise, I get busy making sure the world doesn’t come apart at the seams. Needing God in my life was a huge blessing.
The independent are weakened by their trust in their own strength. The weak are strengthened by their trust in the One who is beyond strong.
Paul David Tripp
What if this season of stillness is Gods will?
We complained that we never had enough time, and now we’re mad about it. What if God is giving you a season you aren’t strong enough to handle?
When my independence was gone, it became clear to me, God wanted me to depend on Him and Him alone. My neediness allowed God to be God. It forced me to abide in Him.
In a strange way, neediness honors God. Others are overwhelmed by it.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
We all depend on something
Any other challenge, I would bowed up and overcome, but my tailor-made disease got worse the harder I tried. Maybe there’s a spiritual truth there too.
When we add our power to His power, we actually subtracted from it. God’s power is perfected in weakness.
Stop clawing for control and surrender to His strength. Otherwise you’ll crash.
What is more than you can handle alone?
Take a break from your worn-out life and accept the invitation to let God carry the responsibility of managing the universe. He gives us strength when we need it, but He also offers rest.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
Only in surrender do we find strength Click To TweetBreaking point
Take a break before you break. Lean in to your weakness and allow God’s strength to fill you, then give it away.
Oh, how this spoke to me! Independence is NOT a fruit of the spirit! Refusing to lean on God or helping Him do His job reduces our strength. Thank you so much for this timely reminder that God wants us to lean on Him and NOT wait until we are “going under” to call out to Him!
Yet independence is so valued. Thanks for stopping by
Amen Vicky. This is right where I am, knowing I cant continue to carry all these burdens alone
Thanks so much Vickie. I needed that especially today!