I remember having a vivid dream not too long ago. I was casting a demon out of a person, and when I called the demon to come out of that person, he manifested and was a pretty huge spirit. He was dark, awful looking, and probably stood about 7 feet tall. I sensed that he was a powerful demon. And he slowwwlyyy looked at little ol’ me from my toes, with his dark eyes and hateful eyes, that eventually made their way up to my eyes. My eyes that began to become over powered with fear from looking at him. He pauses for a moment and is just staring at me eye to eye. “You’re WEAK.” He said with a deep, intimidating and mocking tone. In that moment, I remember thinking “Oh my goodness. I am weak. Oh my goodness.. what did I get myself into!?” Then, ever so clearly, I heard the voice of the Lord “I am with you.” A spirit of major strength rose inside of me. And I IMMEDIATELY snapped out of fear, remembering Who’s I was, and that His power within me outranks ANY demon in hell. Including Satan. That demon not knowing my thoughts continues to stare probably thinking I’m about to cower. “I may be weak, but in my weakness my God is STRONG! And in the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to FLEE and you are NOT to return!!” And in an INSTANT the demon left. Not even having a word left to speak.
I woke up and smiled knowing I am fully safe and protected in the hands of Jesus.
Friends, I don’t know about you. But in my 12 years of walking with Jesus, I have NEVER learned a lesson, or overcome anything in my own strength. Honestly. In fact, my faith is where it is today by going through many circumstances that I COULD NOT handle on my own. I HAD to rely completely on Jesus. On His spirit. And with that, sometimes hearing this cliche saying kinda makes me cringe when I hear Christians say it. I know they may not know any better and might just be trying to comfort someone. But as a friend, that’s probably not the wisest thing to say. If God always and only allowed things to occur in our life that we can handle in our own strength, how will our spiritual endurance, stamina, strength, and most importantly, our faith in Him and stretch and grow? The Apostle Paul says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am …” 1 Corinthians 15:10
Paul was a faithful and fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. When he prayed to be released from his weakness, he received this answer:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
And if Paul, fully devoted, and who wrote 13 powerful books in the Bible, had to rely on Gods strength for his life, then where does that also leave us? Relying on our own strength? Thinking we can overcome anything? How’s that working for those who think this way? As a mortal human being, at some point, we will all hit a brick wall and realize that we CAN’T do it alone in this dark world. We need help. We need a savior. We need Jesus. Because in our weakness in marriage, friendships, our work places, our relationships, and struggles with ourselves, He can and will be more than happy to step in and be who He is… mighty and STRONG. Leading and guiding.
If you are a child of God, then lean on Him. Trust in Him. Rest in Him. He knows what to do and how to do it.
