Friday, January 19, 2007
Praise God for my Weaknesses
Do you ever get out old books or journals you read or worked through long ago...either in a Bible study or on your own? I have quite a few books and prayer journals that I like to open up and read to see how God has worked in my life or to see if certain sins are still a struggle. I like(well,not really like,a better word is need--sometimes it is very painful)to evaluate myself based on God's Word and how I have allowed or not allowed God's Word to cause real changes in my life. Sometimes I can see growth based on God working in spite of my own weaknesses...sometimes I see failures where I have not really repented and changed...true repentance requires a change of heart and actions. I am always reminding myself of these things.
I have been going through the book *The Practice of Godliness* by Jerry Bridges for a women's Bible study at our church. It has caused me to look at my true devotion to God. Do I truly fear Him? Do I see His perfect love for me and my imperfect love for Him? Do I truly desire for Him? The only way we can pursue godliness is to have those foundational things down.
This self examination has caused me to look at an old book of mine. It is a praise journal called,*31 Days of Praise*. I went through this book in 1999. There is nothing special about the 31 days aspect, it just takes you through 31 days,but the things I learned have stayed with me over the years. If I am truly devoted to Him,I will praise Him out of obedience...not based on circumstances or how I am feeling that day...it is an act of obedience. I am not always obeying, but it certainly is my heart's desire to obey by praising Him. As I learn to love Him more and become more devoted to Him,I must look at my weaknesses... any areas of unrepented sin in my life. We all have weaknesses...even things that are not sinful struggling areas,just weak because we are weak. I need to look at how unable I am,and that He is able.
This is Day 10 of my book. It is a prayer.
I choose to thank You for my weaknesses,my infirmities,my inadequacies...for the ways I fall short of what people view as ideal...for my feelings of helplessness and inferiority,and even my pain and distresses. What a comfort it is to know that You understand the feeling of my weaknesses and that in your infinite wisdom You have allowed these in my life so that they may contribute to Your highest purposes for me.
Thank You that many a time my weaknesses cut through my pride and help me walk humbly with You...and then,as You've promised,You give me more grace--You help and bless and strengthen me. Thank You for all the ways I'm inadequate,for they prod me to trust in You and not in myself...and I'm grateful that my adequacy comes from You,the all-sufficient God who is enough!
Thank You that I can trust You to remove or change any of my weaknesses and handicaps and shortcomings the moment they are no longer needed for Your glory,and for my good,and for the good of other people...and that in the meantime,Your grace is sufficient for me,for your strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Hebrews 5:15 "For we do not have a high priest who can not sympathize with our weaknesses,but One who has been tempted in all things as we are,yet without sin."
Psalm 40:17 "Since I am afflicted and needy,let the Lord be mindful of me;Thou art my help and my deliverer;do not delay,O my God."
2 Corinthians 3:5 "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves,but our adequacy is from God."
2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He said to me,"My grace is sufficient for you,for power is perfected in weaknesses." Most gladly,therefore,I will rather boast about my weakness,that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
11 Comments:
I have gone through a couple journals recently too. It is awesome to see how God has worked to change areas of struggle and also how prayers have been answered.
This book you are reading sounds good. It is on my list.
I love to look back over old journals and see the many prayers that God has answered.
This life is a struggle sometimes, isn't it? So hard to know God's will sometimes, yet so fulfilling to finally rest in it.
I love the verses. And, I'll have to add that book to my list. Sounds great.
I love Hebrews! It is so amazing to meditate on Jesus' humanity - how He became like His brethren in all things - and the comfort and encouragement that because He's been tempted, He can come to our aid when we are tempted.
Sara
Oh my. It seems everywhere I turn these days THIS BOOK has come up. I think I can see what the Lord is trying to tell me!! LOL!!!
I was wondering... how have y'all been doing this at your church? Is there a study guide?
His,
Mrs. U
oh I love the last paragraph your wrote in your journal. Thank you for sharing this. I sometimes cringe when I look back and read what I have written. But it is exciting to see how God moved.
Is that the Myers book? I went through that a few years ago, too, and this post made me want to go pull it back out. I need to look back through some of my notes, my "Ebenezer stones." They are such a testimony of God's faithfulness as well a reminder that I am still growing. Thanks for the reminder!
Cyndi--Yes it is from Ruth Myers book. The quote is from that book.
Mrs. U,We are doing the Jerry Bridges book and study guide. It is really good so far.
I have actually gone through the second book/journal you mentioned 31 Days of Praise. But, it has been awhile!! I, too, love to read snipits from my old journals. Sometimes, I look back and see how far God has taken me, and sometimes I learn lessons all over again by reading what God was teaching me in the past. Lessons I have not thought of in a long time or have simply forgotten. . .
Thanks.
I read this book in 99' as well! It was given to me from an older (wiser)mother in our church, as we moved from TX to VA and left all of our friends & family. I was 27 years old at the time and my girls were just 2 & 4. I was so incredibly afraid and really heartbroken about leaving all that I knew. Those small daily devotions made a huge impact on me as I was just *beginning* to understand how God was doing a work "through" my trials!
I've never really journaled or put things down to writing in my life, but reading all you ladies thoughts on it I can see where it would really be a tool in my walk with the Lord.
This book sounds so good. You are a real font of info for good books, Kim, that help us in our walk with the Lord.
I well remember one night crying out to God in my weakness, begging Him to make me strong, weary of the battle...and His Spirit spoke directly to my heart, "Lisa, embrace those things that make you weak, that keep you desperate, that drive you to the foot of the cross, because it is when you are weak that I will show myself strong."
Thanks for the reminder that when I am weak, He is strong!
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