Encouragement Letters

Good morning Friend,

WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG (II Corinthians 12:10)

Last month, February, I addressed the text that is at the top of this letter. I am going to continue focusing on that theme for one more month. The text is found in Paul's testimonial as he struggled with his thorn in the flesh feeling that it was a hindrance to effective ministry. He prayed three times for the Lord to remove it, knowing that God's power could easily do that. But God had a different plan . . . a different and a better plan . . . NOT including the removal of the `thorn in the flesh' but in providing His sufficiency without the removal of his `thorn.' God promised His grace and His power. These attributes would be more than theological terms. They would be life realities. Paul knew that even in his weakness, he would be strong. You'd be wise to take another look at last month's letter of ENCOURAGEMENT. Hear it again, WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.

The principle has always been operative and available. Yes, in both the Old and New Testament. There are many individuals who traveled through life and ministry not leaning on their own strength. They were linked to God's power and grace. That's why so many of them knew that their only explanation was God. They would know, for sure, these words . . . It's not about us. It's about Him. So, you ask . . . what about us living in 2011. That's a good question with a good answer. As you draw upon God's power and grace you, too, will be able to see the reality. You will be able to say WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.

Moses, after his 80th birthday, was called by God to a very important ministry. (Read the account in the third and fourth chapters of Exodus ). God kept calling Moses. And Moses kept on saying, Lord, I can't do it . . . You're talking to the wrong man. Please, Lord, call someone else. God agreed with him when he said, I can't. God said to him . . . Moses, I know you can't do this unless a mighty hand is upon you and my hand will be on you (Exodus 3:19-20). Some years later, Moses sang a song and others joined him as they sang this song to the Lord (15:1) . . . The Lord is my strength and my song (15:2). Isn't it about time that you start singing this song to the Lord?

Hebrews 11 chronicles the stories of many men and women of faith. He mentions the name and an event that demonstrated why they are included in this Hall of Faith. Then he says . . . And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice . . .who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; WHOSE WEAKNESS WAS TURNED TO STRENGTH; AND WHO BECAME POWERFUL. Others were tortured, some faced jeers and flogging, others were chained and put in prison . . . some were stoned, others were sawn in two . Others were put to death by the sword . . .destitute, persecuted and mistreated (11:32-38).. Did you especially notice verse 34 and the exact wording as it restates Paul's discovery in II Corinthians 12. The writer of Hebrews mentions many individuals with various troubles, These too discovered God as being totally sufficient as they went from WEAKNESS TO STRENGTH.

With God's help, you can make it. You can live and you can serve. Paul illustrates this in II Coritthians13:4: though I am weak, by God's power, I will live with Him to serve you.

Are you discovering the reality that is available to you? Even in your present plight, His strength and grace can make you radiant on the inside, and that's where it all starts. Annie Flint Johnson has given us some powerful words in her song, HE GIVETH MORE GRACE. Here's the refrain. . . His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power has no boundary known unto man. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth again.

Be encouraged,

Lareau Lindquist

Founder, Senior Associate