by Rev Steve Nickodemus

His Power is Made Perfect in Weakness.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
1 Chronicles 16:11

Recently, I was asked which events brought me closest to God in my life.  After some reflection, I answered, “The times when I was weakest was when I came closest to God, for it was in those times that I finally realized how much I needed God’s strength.”

When I felt strong and able to whip the world, I thought that I would do great things for God.  But when I came to the end of myself, when there was no strength left in me, it was then I learned of God’s strength and His presence in my darkest places.

Perhaps that is why people are so open to prayer and to the Good News of Jesus in the midst of their weakness. Those times, when facing pain and suffering and loss, are when I see most plainly that I am but a mortal. Everything I have is a gift of God, and my attitude of independence and self reliance is but a sham and an illusion.

That is why today’s verse is such wise counsel: “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” It is in our weakness that we realize our utter dependence and need upon our merciful Lord’s strength and presence.  It is in seeking God’s face, His presence and strength, that life finally makes sense and I know who God is and my need for Him.

Lord, forgive me for relying upon my own strength.  You are my Rock and Strong Place, my Fortress and my Strength.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado