In Weakness I Come

Bible Reading

• 1 Corinthians 2
• Psalm 36

Devotional Thoughts

Yesterday we read in 1 Cor 1:21 that God intended for his ways never to be understood by human wisdom. And that, we would in fact look like fools in the eyes of the world. (1 Cor 1:18) So, in chapter 2 Paul declares that he intentionally chose not to rely on anything or anyone except Christ. He chose to be weak. He says he came timid and trembling in weakness. He didn’t try to impress them with great preaching or clever and persuasive speech. He says, “I just relied on the power of the Holy Spirit.” It’s almost like he is intentionally contrasting what he said in chapter one about the world’s thinkers. (1 Cor 1:20) So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.”

So, what does that look like to not rely on myself at all? To live completely in weakness and dependence on the Holy Spirit? Paul says he wanted above everything else to communicate and demonstrate reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, so that as they witnessed his life they too would learn to live by faith, resting not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God!

As I wrestle with how to do this job (discipling our new church planters), I am asking the Lord for how to build a trusting relationship with these guys to the place where they will be open and desire input in their lives so they can become the church planters and the elder they should be. How can I model this like Paul did?

I can definitely understand the feeling of living the feeling of being weak, trembling and fear that I am not cut out for this. But that’s when the power of God is seen.

Declarations of Truth

• It is not my wisdom, or my strength, or my abilities that is going to impact lives. It’s only God, through me!
• When I am weak, that’s when God is going to be strong! (2 Cor 12:10)
• I need to be constantly seeking God’s wisdom, and be ministering in faith, believing that God is working through me. Psalm 36:5-6 Your love o Lord reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness stretches to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice flows like the oceans tide. Ps 36:7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. … for you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts.