Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12 v 8 - 10: "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." Apostle Paul.
There is never a situation nor condition which causes weakness in us that Jesus will ignore. The power of Christ will rest on us to add His strength to our weakness. I can personally testify of many occasions when He added His strength to my weakness and the results were remarkable.
You see, Jesus wants the glory, not because He is in any way vain, but when He is lifted up He draws all men to Himself. We are but broken vessels through which He pours His love to a fallen world. The more broken we are the more useful we become to God's kingdom.
Those who have never been broken are like wild horses, very headstrong and not easy to persuade. They are full of themselves and need to be broken so that all their self-aggrandizement can ebb out through the cracks and they become humble before the Lord.
Paul knew that when he was at his weakest, Jesus within his heart would add His strength physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually so that he lacked nothing. This is the true riches, the treasure within that flows like a living fountain and goes as far as the Lord wills it to go. It's never our will, we must find His will and then our sails are set and He blows our boat to His chosen goal. It is available for everyone who recognizes and acknowledges that without Jesus we are without strength.
Jesus gives us a person to pray for who has an insoluble problem. Science, doctors, medicine, surgery cannot offer any real or lasting hope, great though they may be. We gather to pray and we have no clue as to what God intends for that soul, that life. We must put aside every thought and listen to His voice. We are weak in knowledge until we feel His presence among us and everyone adds the inspired visions, words of knowledge, words of wisdom, prophetic words and revelations He gives that brings light into that dark place.
We now know what the Creator has in mind and it strengthens our faith and confidence. He made this person and He loves him and has an answer that will deliver such a one from sorrow and pain. We know when the Lord has a plan because unusual things occur to confirm it, and there is an excitement within us that cannot be contained. It's the joy of the Lord, that strengthens us in our weakness.
We have weaknesses that Satan exploits to cause us to fall back into sin. If we do not fight against it using the exhortation of James 4 v 3 - 7:
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Once we are saved we have crossed over into the Kingdom of God and all, ALL, unsaved people become your enemies. That's because they could be family or dear friends and Satan has full access to them to tempt you or deceive you. If you don't submit to God and resist the devil in them you will fall into error. When Satan knows what is irresistible to you he pulls out all the stops until you are back in his domain enjoying its fleeting pleasures.
Your lusts are the bondages Jesus died to release you from. Alcohol, drugs, fornication, corruption, gambling, deception, false religious beliefs, wrong relationships etc. Satan will find your weakness and use your sinfulness to taunt Jesus and accuse you before God's Throne. Jesus is your Advocate only when you have truly repented.
As soon as Satan accuses you of sin the Holy Spirit brings true conviction upon you. If you submit to God and stop that behaviour, the devil backs off and you are forgiven and restored to fellowship. If you do not submit to God you are in danger of condemnation.
Romans 8 v 1 - 2: " There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
Condemnation comes when you stop walking in the Spirit of Truth and holiness and go back to walking in the flesh. Galatians 5 v 19 - 21: " Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Every one of these sins is equal to the others in seriousness. Adultery, murder, wrath, drunkenness carry the exact same penalty. Your assurance of Heaven is gone. Jesus will say on the Day of Judgment "I Never Knew You!"
So if you are in a weakened condition ask the Lord to add His amazing strength to your weakness. Feel His Spirit rise up within you and find yourself able to do the impossible. In John 10 v 10 He says: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
The thief is Satan who hates God's creation, us, and can only hurt God by stealing our peace and joy, killing or destroying us. Jesus comes to turn the tables on him and give us life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father how mighty You are, and yet You are mindful of each one of us. You knew we would be weakened and You sent Jesus to turn that weakness into strength. Help us O Lord to receive Your pure strength to overcome the enemy, for ourselves and those around us. In Jesus' name. Amen.