Weakness
Weakness is an unfavorable attribute regardless of one’s perspective. Peace between nations often lies in the perception of military strength and the emotional fortitude of a nation’s leadership. An imbalance between the two emboldens enemies and demoralizes the citizenry. Weakness may be exploited by enemies and consequently, nations may fall. This scenario has played out many times since the beginning of time. Citizens of fallen nations became servants of the oppressor. Opportunity to escape is rare. Exploitation of weakness is a specialty of our adversary, Satan. Our duty is to teach those held captive by Satan. “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV)
Satan constantly seeks to take advantage. His strategy ranges from subtlety to intimidation to outright aggression. (1Timothy 3:7, 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:10-17) Knowledge, diligence and preparation are all part of our defense. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NKJV) “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV) The danger must not be underestimated. Sin is progressive. “I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Romans 6:19 NKJV) The fall of individuals into sin leads to the fall of families, then communities and ultimately, the fall of countries.
Jesus warned his closest disciples to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 NKJV) The disciples were emotionally invested in Jesus’ plight but succumbed to sleep in the hour He needed them most. (Luke 22:45) We do not always know what God expects of us. Even if we know what is expected, we may not know how to proceed. We do not always know what to ask for or even how to ask God for it. “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26 NKJV) We do not always know which choices are best aligned with God’s will.
Ironically, “… God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NKJV) Paul took comfort in this paradox knowing God’s grace was sufficient to overcome his physical deficiency. “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)
God understands our limitations. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15 NKJV) “He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.” (Hebrews 5:2 NKJV) Jesus understands the human predicament and expects us to be understanding also. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NKJV)