I am no longer ashamed to admit that sometimes I get weak. I know God’s power is displayed through our weaknesses. There are times I am able to stand up in pain and weakness and still do what I have to do, not because I am strong, but because it is God who strengthens me, especially to do what He has called me to do for Christ’s name. Sometimes we tend to use our weaknesses as excuses for disobedience instead of accepting them for what they really are, opportunities for God to show up and show off in our lives. The truth is we are not meant to depend on our own strength. Scripture tells us not to resist our weakness but to boast about it. Sometimes because of our weaknesses, we may make choices that are not pleasing to God. The good news is that it is never too late to repent and correct our choice as long as there is breath in our body. The thing is we do not know when we may take that last breath. And when we take our last breath, it is not our weakness that will matter, but our choice to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior!
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) NIV
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) KJV
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10) KJV
God’s grace is sufficient for every believer. We often want to feel independent and self-sufficient. Who likes to feel weak? I personally don’t. But I am learning not to go by how I feel but by the Word of God. When we attempt to depend on ourselves, we miss out on seeing God’s power at work. Jesus said without Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5) Sometimes life with all of its challenges can leave us feeling weak and powerless, lacking the strength we need to persevere through difficult times and doubting our trust in God. When we have a relationship with Christ, His strength overrides our weakness. When we are shattered, He will restore us. When it seems all is lost, He gives us hope.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) NIV
“Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.” (Psalm 119:115) NASB
When we are weak or scared, we have to trust God enough that our faith is bigger than our fear. God is aware of who we are and what we can and cannot do. When God calls us, He equips and empowers us to obey that calling. Our strength is never enough. That’s what faith is all about. Faith is a willingness to step out and trust God.
“so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17) NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 4:6-7) NIV
A new year is coming. Do not go into a new year hoping for change when you are trying to bring what don’t belong! Trust me, if you do so, you will have the same problems you had last year! God wanted to bless Abraham (then Abram), so He sent Abraham to a new land from his family and his father’s house. Now he told him specifically that he wanted him to depart from his family (Genesis 12:1). Abraham took his wife, his father and Lot went with him. If you read all of Genesis 12, you will see the problems Abram encountered by bringing Lot and Sarah along. Yes, God still blessed him, but it created serious problems and delayed blessings for five years! We can avoid confusion and missed blessings by not taking baggage with us that God told us to leave behind. This year trust God, let it go so He can give you your blessing! This year we will embrace change. Clear away what needs to be cleared away and toss out what needs to be tossed out. I’m not claiming it is easy because we all are a work in progress; we are spiritual beings living in fleshly physical bodies. But God! When we are weak, He is strong!
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) KJV
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) NIV
“But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) KJV
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) NIV
Sisters and brothers, do you want a joyful new year? I say joyful and not happy because joy comes from the Lord, and happiness depends on what is happening. I declare and decree that 2023 will be the year we will start walking it out, not just talking it out! We will make our lives a testimony to our new awareness of the glory of God! And when we get weak, He will strengthen us! Love and Blessings….
EMMANUEL 
Thank you 🙏
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