Through CYC and particularly PMVP, I realized as I move on to a new stage in life that it was also time for a new chapter of my spiritual life to begin. At the same time I leave behind student life and enter the working world, God knew it was also time for me to leave behind my fears and learn to become strong in Him.
What is Strength?
I've always wanted to be strong and independent. Being able to put on a strong face and tell myself that I am strong kept me going through tough times. But the ironic truth is - somewhere deep inside me, I was afraid of not being strong.
In a society of self-empowerment and personal achievement, it's not applauded to depend on someone, to always ask for help, or to receive unconditional support. Being weak or helpless has a negative connotation, and being completely still while relying on someone else seems like a lazy man's excuse.
It does not make sense to the world, the way we rely on God.
However, the strength in the eyes of the world and the strength in God's eyes are two completely different things. Worldly strength comes from one's own works or perseverance, whereas spiritual strength is from the Holy Spirit & God's power. Worldly strength is short-lived and superficial, while spiritual strength transcends time, space, and other limitations.
The world tells us we are strong - but we are strong not because we forcefully tell ourselves we are. True strength comes from the Lord. From quietness and confidence in Him (Isa 30:15), from waiting for Him (Isa 40:29-31), from His words (Ps 119:28), from rejoicing in Him (Ne 8:10), from His Spirit (Zech 4:6), and from the power of His might (Eph 6:10).
From Weakness to Strength
With that said, being in a state of weakness isn't always a bad thing.
Many times, it is at the lowest point of our lives that we realize what relying on God truly means. It's when we realize our vulnerability and admit "I can't do this" that we remember to look for a Higher Power. It's when we can't continue on our own any further that we can finally let go and let God.
We are flesh, yet we often forget that and think we are invincible. But in the blink of an eye, a minor or unexpected accident can completely debilitate us and change our lives. Occasionally, we need trials or some difficulty in life to remind us of this, to help us take deeper root in faith, and to see God with our own eyes (Job 42:5).
In fact, the smaller we see ourselves and admit our helplessness, the greater God grows in our sight. In our darkest times, we see Christ's light shine brightest. In the midst of the storm, we appreciate more genuinely the Holy Spirit's peace. And in our weakness, God's strength is made perfect. (2 Cor 12:9)
He Knows
Being strong is suitable at certain times, but it's problematic when we rely on our own strength even in front of God. We don't have to put on a strong face before God. We can tell Him exactly how we feel, and entrust all things to Him. God knows what we are capable of even better than we do, and He also knows exactly what we've put in.
Being vulnerable in front of Him is okay.
Being vulnerable in front of Him is okay.
It is really amazing how the weakest times of our faith can also become the strongest times of our faith when we experience God's deliverance. When trials come upon us and we are so very close to breaking, we can either give up or be driven closer to God. We can either be broken, or come forth as gold.
But let's not hesitate to seek strength from the Lord through this process, for He is our strength and shield (Ps 28:7). Let us recall the words of Paul, and keep in mind that when we are weak, then we are strong.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4
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