“It’s obvious that the real tests are not the situations that challenge our strengths but the ones that expose our weaknesses.”
Bill Johnson
Periodically, as a child, the Emergency Broadcasting Network would interrupt television shows with an announcement: “This is a test. This is only a test.” Recently, I experienced a test from God. Fortunately, God always wants us to pass the test and provides the tools to succeed.
I was reviewing my podcast notes on the computer, the day before the recording. To make a long story short, I lost all the notes I had prepared. The old Norma would have freaked out! Ironically, the message was on Six Tools for a Healthy Heart. This is a subject God has worked in me for thirty years, and I was able to reap fruit from His remedial classes. Instead of reacting to this crisis, I responded with God’s attitude. Initially, my feathers were slightly ruffled, but as I trusted God and His ways, my peace was secured in the foundation that God is enough.
After this happened, John and I went for a walk to de-stress, and I began to give God thanks. I declared out loud what I knew to be true – that God would use this for my good and His glory and that His glory would shine even more brightly in my weakness. I spoke to my soul and reminded myself of God’s truth. I saw that God’s plan was to deepen my trust in Him, strengthen me in weakness, and break off placing my trust in my preparedness. God wants to get me to the place where I find my security in Him alone. I knew my intimacy would grow as I submitted to His will. Ultimately, I want to be a woman who says, “It is well with my soul,” no matter what situation I find myself in.
My weakness, vulnerability, and dependence upon God opened the door to God’s strength. His power is perfected in weakness and that’s why the apostle Paul was able to boast about his weaknesses. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
When faced with a crisis, respond instead of reacting, as you reflect on who God is. Show yourself compassion, instead of condemnation. Draw near and fall into God’s strong arms. Anticipate God’s empowerment and faithfulness. Give God thanks. Speak to your soul God’s truth. Rest in God’s promises. And rejoice, for this test (it’s only a test) is for the purpose of deepening your intimacy with God and preparing you for His next adventure and your destiny.
“When our weaknesses are exposed, it is because God has already given us the tools, we need to overcome them.”
Bill Johnson
Relevant Reflection:
Describe a time when you were content with your weakness.
Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay
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