Last month, we emphasized the importance of laboring in faith. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:8 CSB). This month, we acknowledge that as we labor to do the Lord’s work, He will meet us in our weakness, and He will give us strength.

The Apostle Paul was a faith-forward laborer as he proclaimed the good news of Jesus and developed new believers into maturity in Christ. He said “I labor for this, striving with [God’s] strength that works powerfully in me.” (Colossians 1:29 CSB) Even though Paul put his great faith into action, laboring for Christ and the early church, he recognized that he did not do it in his own strength but in the strength he received from God.

Paul also readily acknowledged his weaknesses, and therefore dependence on God. He even wrote about having a thorn in his flesh which God allowed to remain in order to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). While lamenting this condition, Paul reports God saying, that His grace was all Paul needed, and that God’s power shined through Paul’s weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9 CSB). So, Paul decided to actually brag about his weakness and how God shows up to support him and supply all he needs to persevere “in difficulties, for the sake of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 12:10a CSB) Paul said, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10b CSB) Indeed Paul was bitten by snakes, shipwrecked, and beaten very nearly to death. Yet somehow, he had the supernatural strength to persevere in love to teach and preach the gospel.

Paul testified, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 CSB) The psalmist wrote, “Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121: 1b-2 CSB)

Friends, I don’t know what you are facing today. Perhaps it is a financial or medical hardship. Perhaps your heart is grieved by the loss of something or someone you love. Perhaps you are facing some form of persecution. We all face trials of various kinds from time to time (James 1:2). But Jesus said He will never leave or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5 CSB). He will walk through the hardships with us, to give us strength and help us persevere one day at a time. I can personally attest to the truth and power of Jesus’ presence, which is available to us through faith.

As we navigate this difficult world with our best faith forward, let us humble ourselves to acknowledge our weaknesses and shortcomings, trusting that God is more than able to make up for what we lack and allow His grace and goodness to be praised.