Topic: From Weakness to Strength [David Jeremiah Devotional August 13 2019 | Turning Point Ministries]

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AUGUST 13, 2019

And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel.
Genesis 35:10

 Recommended Reading: Genesis 32:22-32

Songwriter Reuben Morgan wrote what has become a beloved worship chorus titled, “What the Lord Has Done in Me.” It’s a song about paradoxes—one line says, “Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” This is a direct reference from Joel 3:10. God is calling the nations to judgment; even the weak must take up arms and be strong in their faith for the Lord. 

Perhaps Paul had the verse in mind when he wrote, “For when I am weak, then I am strong [in Christ]” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Jacob would likely have “Amened!” this idea as well. After decades of existing on the strength of his own will, he finally met his match in an encounter with God at Peniel—he wrestled with God and lost (Genesis 32:22-32). And God changed his name from “supplanter” (Jacob) to “God prevails” (Israel). Jacob had to suffer on the road to repentance to preserve his strength in the Lord.

Weakness usually precedes strength in the spiritual life. Don’t resist periods of weakness in your life. Let God have His way; let Him make you strong.

Real true faith is man’s weakness leaning on God’s strength.
Dwight L. Moody