Rendered Helpless

Anneta Pinto-Young 2 Minutes
“But he 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” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

We want to be able to control our lives and our destinies. We want to be able to make things happen, seize the moment and grab that opportunity. What happens in those times when situations are outside of our control? I had a thought some years ago about how God works in our lives and it goes like this. ‘At times God will render us helpless, so that we have to rely completely on him. When things work out as they generally do, then we have no choice but to give him the glory, because we know that what we accomplished was not in our own strength.’ In other words, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

There are seasons when I have felt extremely frustrated, when it feels like things aren’t going the way that I wanted. I have often prayed and cried out to God, only to get a response to “be still.” My feelings have been, “really God, just be still. You mean I don’t need to write a letter, lodge a complaint, resign my job, tell somebody about themselves?” Just be still and wait for me to act, is what God usually says.

“And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again” (Exodus 14:13). This bible story is one of the most extreme examples of God asking people to be still. Israel was caught between a Red Sea and an army in pursuit. God was telling his people to stand in the knowledge of who he is; omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, almighty, powerful and mighty to save.

As long as we are busy trying to do things our own way, then God will let us try. He won’t force himself into our situation. We have to invite him into our circumstances and learn to surrender. Knowing that our help and our strength comes from the Lord.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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20 thoughts on “Rendered Helpless”

  5. Great word.
    Paul seems to really understand the power of Christ.
    My prayer is we also get wisdom to tap into this power so that these helplessness and frustrations can go.
    At some point he will say though he was persecuted he never felt forsaken and perplexed and never went into despair.
    What kind of power He is talking about?💪🤔.
    Whatever it is I want to experience it

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us (2Corinthians 1:9-10)

    Liked by 2 people

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  7. The one who said “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” is the same who declared ““I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. Same man but a different well of provision.

    Always encouraged by your words!
    BT

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Pingback: Rendered Helpless — Devotional Inspirations – QuietMomentsWithGod

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