When I Am Weak, Then Am I Strong

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. without me: or, severed from me - John 15:5

    I suppose that the most difficult thing any believer has to learn is that without him we can do nothing.

    This is our creed but not our experience! We will never be effectually used for God's true glory until it becomes our experience. God will never use means that are proud enough to think themselves necessary or capable. He will throw away the vessel that begins to boast in itself or allows others to boast in it. Whatever is our strength in the flesh is sure to become our weakness in the spirit whether it be our intelligence, our morality, our length of service, our doctrine, our courage or whatever. Gideon feared the Midianites because of the small number of his soldiers, but the Lord said, "Your soldiers are yet too many for me." I wonder if we will ever become weak enough, empty enough, and ignorant enough for God to use us for his glory.

    The logic of the Lord is strange to the natural mind. "For when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Cor. 12:10). "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (II Cor. 12:9). The Lord must go back to the seashore and raise up some fishermen; we've all become masters and doctors, wise men in theology and great counselors. I disqualify myself for God's use when I become qualified. My fine talents and lofty credentials become hindrances rather than helps. I thought to prepare myself for great things only to learn that it was the rough voice in the wilderness he planned to use, not the polished preacher. It was the weak, impulsive shepherd with the sling he planned to use, not the mighty warrior with his armor of wit and arsenal of facts, doctrines, and learning. It may not be too late for some, but most are too proud to become expendable. If we don't pour contempt on ourselves—God will!