When I Am Weak

The apostle Paul had something in his life that was distressing to him. Whether it was some habitual sin, personal weakness, or illness, it is not disclosed. He asked God to remove it three times. God did not take away this distressing issue from Paul, but rather told Paul that it remains with him so that God’s grace would be revealed.

II Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When we are sad, God’s grace encourages us. When we are weak, God’s grace gives us strength. When we are fearful, God’s grace gives us courage. When we worry, God’s grace gives us peace. Whatever we are going through, God’s grace gives us what we need to keep going.

Touched by Compassion

When we witness an act of kindness and compassion, it stirs our emotions. We are deeply touched because we understand both the receiver and the giver. The giver is moved by feeling and knowing the need of the person who receives compassion. The receiver is emotionally moved by someone acknowledging them and understanding their needs, and making the sacrifice to meet those needs.

Psalm 103:13-14 says, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD show compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” God demonstrates compassion for us, because He knows us intimately. He knows our thoughts and understands our weaknesses and needs. He alone has the power, and is moved by compassion, to give us what we need and what we truly desire.

Unpaid Debt

When we cannot repay a debt, we can expect certain things to happen. We may hear from the lender and have discussions about repaying the debt in some form. If we still cannot repay, the loan collateral may be impounded or forfeited by us to the lender. Our credit rating will decline, making it harder to obtain other loans. We will not receive the same favor from lenders and sellers.

Psalm 103:10-12 says, “He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” Christians are far from being perfect, but we are forgiven through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. His blood covers our sins and removes them far from us. We are no longer condemned to wrath, but are now justified before our Heavenly Father. Our debt to our Father was paid in full by the Son.

Walk As Wise

It is possible to go through life aimlessly, not really caring about much, and therefore not really doing anything significant. This kind of life is marked by not seeking wisdom and getting into bad situations through carelessness. At the end of this type of life, only disappointment remains.

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” It is possible to live a long life and not really accomplish anything significant. God encourages us the walk through life wisely, making the best use of the time. The best use of time requires that we understand God’s will and walk according to His instructions.

Transformed by Light

When we walk into a dark room, we cannot see the wonders that the room may hold. But turn on a light and whole new experiences open up to us as the light reveals the truth.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Bad thoughts do not come from God. When worry, fear, anger, lust, or other negative thoughts come into our minds, they adversely affect our attitudes and behaviors. God wants to transform us into godliness by renewing our minds through His Word and righteousness. His Word reveals what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.