Weak And Strong

2 Corinthians 12:10 – 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. (NIV)

"Just a closer walk with Thee" is one of my favourite hymns. The first verse begins with the words "I am weak, but Thou art strong", taken directly from Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church. I learned the song in the basement of a three hundred-and-fifty-year-old church. It was being sung at a youth group meeting called the "428 Club". One Wednesday evening in 1975, I walked into the Club, seeking God's help at one of the lowest, unhappiest, and weakest times of my life.

When I heard the song for the very first time, I felt a direct connection to God that I had lost during my teenage years. It was like a homecoming, and ever since then, I have dearly loved this hymn. I know that when I am weak, God is still strong. Even the great Paul himself knew and experienced the value of these precious words.

Whatever we're going through right now, if we don't have the strength to endure, we need not worry, for God has all the strength we require. Just let us walk closer to Him — He'll give us what we need.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are not super-human. We are created beings with faults and weaknesses, limitations and imperfections. We try to do the best we can, but sometimes temptation and trouble, suffering and sin overwhelm us. During those times, be our strength and shield, our protector and pathfinder, our Saviour and Lord. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.