End of your Rope?
God does great work when we come to the end of ourselves.
Let's face it, it doesn't take long before we stop trusting in God and instead trust in what we can achieve on our own. Like the Israelites of old we look at all the blessings we have received and forget they come from the LORD.
God has given us some power to influence the world around us, to make and shape and facilitate. Yet we can look on this ability and think "I'll build a tower to the heavens and make a name for myself" (see Gen 11:1-9).
Sometimes the LORD will bring us low so that we can be reminded who we are, and who He is. We are humbled so that God's power is not overshadowed by our own big heads.
Sometimes we are humbled to bring us to repentance. If we are obstinately carrying on in sin, God does use sickness to bring us to our senses (1 Corinthians 11:29–32, James 5:13–16).
The discipline of the LORD is at times for specific sin in our lives, but it is also about shaping our attitudes and affections more broadly. We learn to love the LORD over this world. In our trial we have our eyes opened to the reality of what is important. In our difficulty we are lead to the rock that is higher than ourselves, for there is our refuge (Ps 61).
Sometimes, we are brought low so that God's glory is made evident, meaning that those looking on will see the power of Jesus Christ shine through. It will be made obvious that God is the one to be praised for any good that comes from us.
"But [Jesus] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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 Co 12:9–10).
Our weakness is not a barrier to God's work, it is when we get to see His work most clearly.
You may be on your last legs, but it is no time for despair. Instead, look to the LORD. He will be your refuge and strength. Do not put your faith in earthly powers, or self help hoopla, or the work of your own hands, but put your trust in Jesus Christ. Endure the difficulty with contentment in your weakness knowing that it is there that the Lord is at work.
Samuel Lindsay