We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. (2 Cor. 13:9)
“JESUS POSSESSES an indescribable amount of power,” said the group leader. He was talking to people who struggled with addictions. “He wants to share it with you to help you overcome your addiction, but you must ask Him for help,” he added.
The group leader knew what he was talking about. He was a man who had himself struggled with substance abuse for many years. But his calm assurance brought peace to the group. He walked in quiet victory.
“Don’t suppose that you fail the test if you don’t stay clean,” he said. “The real test is whether you will trust the Lord and lean on His strength when you are weak. You are helpless to conquer any addiction, but Christ provides the power.”
This is the core of it. Many Christians may not struggle with addictions. They may, however, feel they’re not living up to what they think a Christian should be. Many see themselves as failures. Some even bring condemnation upon themselves and fall away from the faith.
Paul wrote, however, that Jesus felt weakness when He was crucified, but now, after His resurrection, “he lives by God’s power.” We have that same power available to us to help us overcome addictions, doubt, sinful habits—anything that would keep us from living in victory.
Ask God for the power to achieve through Christ working in you.
Roy Proctor has been a Christian since 1976 and has been writing devotionals since 2003. His purpose is to share encouraging words for the times in which we live.
