GOD’S STRENGTH IN MY WEAKNESS
God’s strength truly is perfect in our weakness. Paul said it perfectly in 2 Corinthians 12:9, reminding us that this timeless truth is still present and profound in the life of every believer today.
“Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
I remember a time this verse came alive in my own life. It was back in 2020 when “ready or not”, the world catapulted a rerouting for many of our lives (praise God, He is always ultimately in control). During this time, I found out that my job of six years was eliminated and I was forced into unemployment. I got really transparent with the Lord and reiterated what had been on my heart for a few years - I did not want to continue a career path in the accounting world. While I was good at it and it provided a stable source of income, my true heart’s desire was not to work a 9-5 behind a computer doing what felt like meaningless work for the rest of my life. Through a series of God-led happenings (I love how He weaves together the details of the tapestry of our lives), I ended up accepting a job at a local elementary school as a long-term substitute teacher for first grade, and stayed working there in various roles for almost two years. I discovered a passion for teaching that I didn’t know I had!
My first week of teaching was intense. With no schooling or formal training, I relied on the Lord to help me do well in the classroom. I remember someone yelling down the hallway on the first day “we’re about to open the doors” and fight or flight instincts kicking in. I thought to myself, I have two choices. I can stay and see what happens, or climb out the window and run for my life!”. Thankfully I chose the former. There were so many rules and regulations with it being in the height of the pandemic that added to the challenges of being a first time teacher, but with the help of incredible co-workers and the Spirit of God, I was able to successfully teach that classroom for several months.
But that first week…
On top of teaching, I was also actively involved with ministry. I had an all-day women’s conference the Saturday after my first full week of teaching. We got to the hotel on Friday night to set up for the big day only to find out that the room wasn’t set up as we requested. Without complaining, we reset the room as well as everything else we had to get done before the next day. That night, I went to my hotel room completely and utterly exhausted. My whole body coursed with a numbing pain as I slid into the bathtub feeling completely drained on every level. I remember telling the Lord, I have nothing to give these ladies tomorrow. My message was prepared, but emotionally and physically I felt depleted. I remember His response to me in that moment of weakness was 2 Corinthians 12:9-that His strength would be perfected in my weakness.
I give Him all of the glory and honor, because I was able to preach that next morning full of His power and strength, knowing it was all Him and none of me (which is the best scenario…to get ourselves out of the way and let HIM have His way!). So many women got set free, delivered, and ministered to! My weakness didn’t matter, because the God of all creation was present and His power never diminishes!
I am so thankful that God meets us right where we’re at. That He never leaves or forsakes us. That His strength truly is perfected in our weakness and we never have to do anything He calls us to alone. He is always with us, goes before us, surrounds us, is within us and is our rearguard. His power infuses us to do everything He calls us to with anointing and excellence.
In the spaces where weakness and faith collide, we find that God is forever faithful and always for us! What a mighty and awesome God we serve!
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