Strength Working Through Weakness
When Willpower Gets In The Way
“I am the Vine; you are the branches.… Apart from Me … you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
When Trying Harder Wasn't Enough
For years I believed I was weak-willed because I had habits I couldn't break. Whether it involved addictive habits or an unhealthy dependence on others, I kept reaching for things that left me bound.
I wanted freedom, but I was determined to achieve it in my own strength.
The Will I Thought Was Weak
By His mercy, Abba revealed that my issue wasn't a weak will but a strong one!
I kept insisting I should be able to fix myself, and each promise to try harder brought me back to the same exhausted place.
A pattern ran beneath my struggle: I was depending on myself to produce what His grace was inviting me to receive.
His Strength, My Humanness
“The moment we recognize our complete weakness and dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power.” — Oswald Chambers
How wonderful my weakness became in the light of His grace doing what I could not do! I didn't have to hide my struggle from Him or turn it into another reason to dislike myself.
Jesus had already shared His Life with me. I was learning to bring my will into that relationship, trusting His strength rather than demanding more of my own.
The freedom I wanted wasn't another achievement to my credit. It was His gift, and His Love was teaching me how to live in it.
Reflection
Where am I relying on determination alone?
What am I trying to produce that grace invites me to receive?
How might I face today's struggle with Jesus rather than by myself?
Prayer
Abba Father, thank You that freedom is Your gift. Teach me to trust Your strength and let Your Love find expression through me. Amen.