“…we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: but we had the sentance of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:8,9
It was the eldery Mr. Hallesby, who wrote a classic on prayer, who said that the first condition of prayer was the sense and conviction of one’s own helplessness. Why is this so? Later in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he writes concerning a “thorn in the flesh,” something that kept Paul humble, and in a right perspective of mind, especially as he had seen something of the beauty and glory of paradise, and heard unspeakable words. (2 Cor. 12:4) There was another reason for this thorn in the flesh, this infirmity that was constantly with him. We discover it in Paul’s account as he sought the Lord three times to take it away. However, the Lord would not do it. Why? It was so that Paul would rely wholly upon the Lord in spite of the consciousness of his weaknesses and limitations. The Lord would tell Paul a great secret in all this: “My grace is suffient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (v. 9) Why is this lesson so very important to grasp? It is because God’s ways are NOT those of men. His way in dealing with men, in particular after the fall, is to call man to faith in God alone. Faith is the key, and the Lord was determined to make of Paul, not only a man of faith, but an effective, and fruit-filled instrument of His peace and purpose. It is therefore very understandable that Paul would apply this knowledge to his life, and the circumstances that the Lord would allow in his life. He would say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (v. 9) God’s way is that of faith. The consciousness and conviction of one’s helplessness is essential if one would be wholly cast upon Christ, God, for every need. So then, to be “helpless” in one’s eyes, is a good thing, and the necessary condition for blessing. It is the prelude to faith in God alone, a daily, even moment by moment relying upon the Spirit of Christ for every need. The great assurance that the Christian has is found in the Lord’s words: “…for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” In other words, the Lord’s strength is not only increasingly made known in the life, but the unveiling of His faithfulness at all times, and in all circumstances, is made manifest. The man or woman who is conscious of his or her helplessness, is the one who is prayerful, ever seeking the Lord for all things, learning increasingly how to abide in Christ, knowing the reality of Christ abiding in him.
So then, how are we to live? How does the knowledge of our helplessness contribute to the increasing knowledge of Christ, and His working in the life? In all things, and at all times, the first thing is coming to Christ. This is what He commands us to do: “Come unto Me, ALL ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) The second thing is to sit at the Lord’s feet, as Mary did. Remember the Lord’s words concerning Mary: “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 42) What was that “good thing?” It was the choice made to not only sit at Jesus’ feet, but to hear His word. (10:39) The call of God to man is the call to know Christ, and the very power of His Life. This is only known by the hearing of His words of truth, and responding in faith. It is then that the Lord reveals Himself increasingly to the heart. The third thing is to go forth in full assurance of faith, following Christ, doing the will of God.
Dear Father, Strengthen us in weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.