Last Sunday I spoke about hypocrisy and how easy it is to perform for the opinion of others. I believe that everyone struggles from time to time with hypocrisy but I also think that we can struggle with just feeling like a weak failure of a Christian. This can accompany hypocrisy in that we try to cover our weakness with bravado and extra serving. Or it can attack us on its own, beating us down into inaction by telling us that we’re not fit for service.
Surprisingly enough, the Apostle Paul also felt weak and he pleaded with God to take away his weakness.
8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”
Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. — 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (CSB)
A huge “Jesus juke” when I feel weak and ineffective at ministry is simply to lean into the power of God. Anything that I do actually accomplish is a glory to God as he takes a weak vessel and makes use of it.
So, the next time the devil whispers to you that “you’re no good, that you’re a failure, that you’ve got nothing to offer anyone, that you’re ineffective…” or whatever – whisper back to him “that means that God can use me”.
All praise to our awe-inspiring God!