Why should you feel helpless? (Repost)
I felt so unsettled. Why?
As I sat down at the Board room table, it was then I realized I was anxious. Thankfully, I was the first one in the room (for once!).
Considering what I had learned in a counseling session, I walked out into the hall to reflect and pray.
“Lord, why am I feeling so nervous? I’m about to sit down with men who have been friends for years. What is going on inside of me?”
I believe the Lord answered my request for wisdom by revealing this thought to me: You feel like you are going to be treated as ‘less than.’
A few days prior, I had been counseled to remember that I was in a position of responsibility and that I needed to step into that role in a humble and gracious manner. This was a learning point for me because my tendency in the past was to defer to others in an attempt to gain their approval. But a counselor had told me clearly: “The survival mechanisms you learned as a child no longer serve you well as an adult.” (Talk about a mic drop!)
My feelings stemmed from a shame-based security issue in my heart.
In situations where we find ourselves feeling insecure or helpless, consider this truth: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31b-32, ESV)
The word in this verse translated ‘who’ can indicate ‘who’, ‘which’, or ‘what.’ It is not only people, but any life circumstance that is covered in this verse. Therefore, in any difficult situation, while we may suffer, struggle, or face real opposition, we must remember that God is for us.
Paul’s reasoning (simplified) through Romans 8 goes like this: Jesus became a sin offering for us (8:3) and gave us His Spirit (15) who helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us (26). God works all things for our good according to His purpose (28-29) because He has justified us (33). Paul’s reasoning continues. Since the Father gave His most precious gift—the life of His Son—there is no way He will fail to extend gracious favor to us in other matters (32). Not because we deserve it or earned it, but because that is who He is.
Jesus himself said it this way. “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7, NIV)
It’s hard to imagine anything better than having Jesus with us. But He says it’s better to have the Holy Spirit within us!
The Lord, through James, says, “If any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all without finding fault.” (1:5)
And in Ephesians 1:19-21, Paul prays that believers would know the power and authority God gives His children to accomplish His purposes. Paul says that this is the same strength and authority with which God raised Christ from the dead, defeating sin, death and Satan! Is there anything He cannot help you overcome through His Spirit at work in you?
Just this week, I talked with a close loved one who is dealing with a life-threatening situation. One of the most misinterpreted or misquoted verses in all the Bible is 1 Corinthians 10:13. Paul says, “No temptation (trial, test) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (ESV). Too often, this is summarized as, “God won’t give you more than you can handle!”
Please don’t say this. It only promotes a self-sufficiency and resistance to relying on God, who is our Savior, Protector, Provider, Strength, Wisdom, and Provision. We absolutely need Him, and many times we can’t get through circumstances without Him! Don’t make the mistake of trying to face life on your own, with your limited resources.
Dear Saints, God is for you! And when you rely on Him, the Holy Spirit provides wisdom and power to accomplish His purposes for your life. Not only that, but you have spiritual authority when you submit to Christ because you are in Christ, and He is in you. So, whoever or whatever you are facing, remember that God is for you!
Nothing is impossible with God. May God bless you with wisdom and strength this week.