Completely Frustrated: Powerless!
Friday, May 8, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Paul writes that he had a thorn in the flesh. We don't know for certain what that thorn was, but it was something over which Paul had no control. Today's verse tells us Paul asked God to take the thorn away, but God said no, that his grace was sufficient. And Paul learned to be thankful for his weaknesses because they reminded him of his dependence on God. Only then could the power of Christ work through him.
Throughout the Bible, God commonly made his people face impossible circumstances that could not be overcome without his intervention. That made them trust and depend on him and not themselves. He loved them and wanted them to have his best, but he knew they could not achieve that on their own. They needed him.
Many, like Paul, have found that the first step in overcoming their bondage to sin is to come to a place where they admit they are powerless to control their life.
Consider this …
The ways of the world are so different from God's ways. The world proclaims man's power as a great thing. Powerful in business. Powerful in government. Power. In control.
But as Christians, we need to recognize that we are powerless to live a victorious life. And admitting we are powerless is a good thing because then we will depend on God. And only then will we be open to receive his unlimited strength, his unconditional love, and his bountiful mercy.
Prayer
Father, each day help me to remember that I am powerless. Powerless to control my life on my own. I thank you for my weaknesses because they remind me to turn to you.
In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from … Completely Free! A Group Study of Romans 1-8 by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment.
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