“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Oh how sweet the Lord’s mercies. Thoughts of our own greatness are a delight to the human mind, but in reality we are hopelessly dependent on the mercies of God. Our true delight is that He delights in us. Our greatest strength is the Lord’s arm working in and through us. Our greatest hope is that He will move with His power and glory through our inept and faltering efforts.
I once complained to the Lord that I was unhappy with a situation I was in, saying something like, “I deserve better than this.” Immediately I sensed a reply deep within, asking, “So you want what you deserve, do you?”
That sent a shock through me and I immediately disclaimed by complaint. “No, Lord. I don’t want what I deserve. I want Your mercies and Your grace in my life.”
I am delighted with the life God has given me and the various talents I get to enjoy, but I know that the value of my life is not in me finding vent for my thoughts, words or actions, but for me being a channel through which God can express Himself.
My greatest successes in life have not come from my capacities, but from God opening things to me or moving through me, or responding to my prayer for Him to move.
So I have become accustomed to celebrating my ineptitude and disclaiming my own power. I rely on God’s mercies and His grace and am quick to recognise that God can make me a hero even when I do the wrong thing or my knees crumple under me, because the victory and blessing comes from Him, not from my resources.
Apostle Paul celebrated a similar mindset, saying “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2Corinthians 12:10 NLT
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