My Power Works Best In Weakness

My Power Works Best In Weakness

“My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Exodus 3:10-15

Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people, Israel, out of Egypt.

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”

But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?”

God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.”

God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.”

The Power of Total Surrender: The Story of D.L. Moody

In the 19th century, a young man was captivated when a Bible teacher proclaimed, “The world has yet to see what God can accomplish through a man who is wholly devoted to Him.” This moment profoundly influenced Dwight L. Moody, who, inspired by the teacher’s words, made a bold decision: “I want to be that man!” This critical choice set him on a transformative journey, culminating in his rise to become one of the most influential evangelists of his era. Moody’s dedication to living a life of total surrender would ultimately shape not only his own future but also the spiritual lives of countless people worldwide.

Availability Over Ability

When the Father turned His gaze toward Moody, He found a man whose availability far outweighed his ability. Moody’s natural talents, or lack thereof, were of no consequence. The Father can accomplish extraordinary things with even the smallest resources, provided He has all of them. Moody’s life became a testament to this truth: God can work miracles with minimal means when a heart is fully surrendered.

Humble Beginnings

D.L. Moody was born in Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1837. Life dealt him an early, harsh blow when his father died at age 41, leaving his mother in severe poverty. Despite these hardships, Betsy Moody worked hard to keep her nine children together and made sure they attended Sunday school.

By age 17, Moody had become a successful shoe salesman. On April 21, 1855, his Sunday school teacher, Edward Kimball, visited him at the shoe store and encouraged him to dedicate his life to Christ. In the back room of that store, Moody accepted Christ as his Savior and Lord, a critical decision that ignited a passion that would shape the rest of his life.

Overcoming Limitations

Moody faced significant challenges, especially with English. His spelling was poor, and his grammar was, in short, atrocious. Many were shocked when they heard him speak. Early in his ministry, when he spoke as a young layman, a deacon said that while his zeal was commendable, his greatest service to the Father might be to remain silent.

Another critic pointed out his severe limitations, saying, “You make too many mistakes in grammar.” Moody listened patiently and replied, “I know I make mistakes, and I lack many things, but I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got.” Then, looking directly at his critic, he asked, “Look here, friend, you’ve got grammar enough. What are you doing with it for the Master?”

A Call to Commitment

The Father always seeks children of the King who will rise above their limitations and dedicate what they have to His service. Moody’s life exemplifies this principle: it is not our natural abilities that matter most, but our willingness to surrender everything to God.

Ezekiel 22:30: “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.”

REFLECT & PRAY

D.L. Moody asserted that “Before we pray that God would fill us, I believe we ought to pray Him to empty us.”

Father, when I consider my own abilities, I see how little I can accomplish. But when I look at Your ability, I am reminded that all things are possible. Use what I have, no matter how small, for Your kingdom purposes.

INSIGHT

The Burning Bush: A Divine Encounter

When Moses encountered the burning bush, his curiosity quickly turned to deep fascination. Drawn closer by the sight of a bush aflame yet unscathed, he was captivated, like a moth to a flame. This moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would alter the course of history.

Exodus 3:2-4: “Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. ‘This is amazing,’ Moses said to himself. ‘Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.’ When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’”

A Task Beyond Human Capability

The Father entrusted Moses with one of the most extraordinary assignments since the days of Noah. Just as Noah was instructed to construct an ark, a monumental undertaking for an individual lacking any experience in engineering or carpentry, Moses was called to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt. Both these assignments seemed insurmountable, if not impossible by human standards, but the Father’s power made them not only possible but achievable.

Hebrews 11:7 tells us that, “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before.”

For Moses, the challenge of freeing the Hebrew slaves from Egypt’s powerful grasp was formidable. Equipped only with a shepherd’s staff, a pair of sandals, and the clothes on his back, he confronted what appeared to be an overwhelming obstacle. His first response was marked by doubt and resistance.

Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Assurance

Moses did not simply doubt; he argued with God. He was convinced that he was the wrong person for the job. His protests were numerous, and his lack of confidence was evident. He sounded like a motorboat: “but, but, but.”

Exodus 3:10-15:

“Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people, Israel, out of Egypt. But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?’

God answered, ‘I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.’

But Moses protested, ‘If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,” they will ask me, “What is his name?” Then what should I tell them?”

Moses’ recorded objections likely only scratched the surface of his internal doubts. However, the Father remained unfazed. He responded to each of Moses’ concerns with assurances and promises. In this pivotal moment, Moses gained knowledge that no one else in history had received; he was told the very name of God, Yahweh.

The Revelation of God’s Name

From the dawn of creation until Moses’ encounter with the burning bush around 1450 BC, no human had known God’s name. While terms like Elohim and Lord were used to refer to Him, His true name remained a mystery. Moses, with boldness and wisdom, asked the question, and the Father revealed His name.

Exodus 3:14-15: “God replied to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’

God also said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’”

This revelation was monumental. Moses received the message, accepted the assignment, and the rest is history.

Hebrews 11:27 explains, “It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who was invisible.”

The Common Thread: It’s Not About You

Noah, Moses, and D.L. Moody all illustrate a profound truth: the Father’s work is not about human ability but about divine empowerment. Each of these men faced tasks far beyond their natural capabilities, yet they succeeded because they relied on God’s strength, not their own.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses . . .. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

When we recognize our limitations, we see how little we can achieve. However, when we focus on His power, we are reminded that all things are possible.

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