Acquired Strength In Weakness

Hebrews 14:12 says, "...quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength (italics mine); and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies." (NIV).

The word strength in Greek is dunamoó which means might, power and marvelous works (Strong's Concordance). This same Greek word is used for our English word dynamite.

Explosive power.

And so God knows how to turn our weakness into an explosive show of power of strength.

That is why the weak, the diminished or the overtaken are more of threat to Satan's kingdom than the arrogant, self-assured and strong. We have the example of Samson who was a lust driven man. At the end of his life he took out more enemies than he did during his entire 20 years as a judge over Israel.

Let's be cleared we are not liberty to use weakness as means to excuse responsibility or believe God somehow understands (or closes one eye) at our sinful behavior. As I've learned from personal experience, God will take corrective measures. Sometimes like Samson it can be as severe as losing your life to save the soul from eternal separation.

What turns our weakness into a show of strength? His mercy. The same mercy having already executed the penalty of death on His Son gives us the necessary assurance that we can approach His throne with confidence in our times of weakness. Rather than give into weakness we are encouraged to "... come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (KJV).

The more we are transparent to God (who sees everything) about our failures and weakness we give no strength to darkness. Rather allow His light to search the depths of the mind and heart. Allow Him to question your motives and intents. Be truthful. Some of us are not quite ready to let go of some pleasurable sins despite the knowledge of how destructive and shameful it makes one feel. Often God will direct us to resources of strength. A brother or sister to pray an encouraging word. Or He may give practical instructions like getting out of certain place or to move in a different direction.

Remember we move from strength to strength (Psalms 84:7). Weakness turned to strength only leads to greater strength while in turn the Enemy grows weaker having no foothold in our lives.