"When I Am Weak, Then I Am Powerful" - DO NOT RELY ON YOUR OWN STRENGTH

One lesson we learned from Paul's example is this:  Do not rely on your own strength or abilities when serving Jehovah.  From a human standpoint, Paul had reason to be a  proud, self-reliant man. He grew up in Tarsus, the capital city of a Roman province.  Tarsus was  prosperous and a famous seat of learning.  Paul was well-educated-he was taught  by one of the most respected Jewish leaders of  his day, a man named Gamaliel. (Acts 5:34; 22:3)  And at one point, Paul had some influence in the Jewish community. He said: "I was making greater progress in Judaism than many of my own age in my nation." (Galatians 1:13, 14; Acts 26:4) But Paul did not rely on himself. 

Paul gladly gave up the things that made him powerful by the world's standards.  In fact, he came to view the seeming advantages that he formerly had as "a lot garbage." (Read Philippians  3:8) Paul paid a price for becoming a following of Christ. He was hated by his own nation. (Acts 23:12-14) And he was beaten and imprisoned by his fellow citizens, the Romans. (Acts 16:19-24, 37) In addition, Paul became painfully aware of his own limitations.  (Romans 7:21-25)  But rather allow his opponents tor his own shortcomings to cripple him, he took "pleasure in weaknesses." Why? Because it was when he was weak that ge saw God's power at work in his life. - 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7; 12:10. 

If we want to gain power from Jehovah, we must not think that physical strength, education, cultural background, or material wealth determine how valuable we are.  These things are not what makes us useful to Jehovah.  In fact, not many of God's people  are "wise in a fleshly way, not many powerful, not many of noble birth."  Instead, Jehovah has chosen to use  "the weak things of the world." (1 Corinthians 1:26, 27) So do not view any supposed disadvantages as obstacles to serving Jehovah.  Instead, view them as opportunities, a chance to see Jehovah's power working through you.  For  example, if you feel intimated by those who try to make you doubt your beliefs, pray for Jehovah to give you boldness when defending your faith.  (Ephesians 6:19, 20)  If you are struggling to cope with a chronic disability, ask Jehovah to give you the strength you need to stay as busy as you can in his service.  Each time you see Jehovah help you, your faith grows and you become stronger. 

Next time: "When I Am Weak, Then I Am Powerful" - LEARN FROM BIBLE EXAMPLES

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