I cannot by my own reason or strength
Those words are part of Martin Luther's explanation of the third article in the Apostles Creed. I had to memorize it all in confirmation a gazillion years ago....well not that many , but close! When our children went through Confirmation, they were also taught the Catechism, and I expect that is the last time I heard these words! ( For Lutherans, Confirmation is a time of study taking up to three years after which each person confirms their faith in their Lord and Savior.)
So, getting back to what interrupted my prayer~~I believe God brought those seven words to mind because of what I was praying about. I had called a prayer ministry to ask for prayers concerning a health issue, and twice the woman I talked to shared words of knowledge with me that were powerful and a bit scary at the same time. I felt unequipped and I am! In response God gave me a gentle reminder. And an invitation from the Holy Spirit.
I cannot by my own reason or strength.
God loves us so much He not only sent His son to shed his blood for our sins and for our diseases, but he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us to empower us, to comfort us, and to guide and strengthen us. He is there when we come to realize that we cannot by our own reason or strength do what He has called us to do, live as He has called us to live. Only through His strength are we equipped!
"I can do all things through Christ
who continually pours His strength into me."
who continually pours His strength into me."
Philippians 4:13
(paraphrased)
I am linking up with Spiritual Sundays today.
12 comments:
Hi Renee
Such true words! I hope the health issue is better now! Yes, we will always be dependent on our Pappa God!
Much love
Mia
What a great post! It's so true that we can do all, but only in His strength and time. Even when it gets scary, it's still so very exciting!
Beautiful post! I am going to meditate on those words this week. In our own reason or strength we can do nothing, but thank goodness we don't have to depend on our own reason and strength.:)
Renee,
I was so touched by a comment you left on Anita's "Did You Bring Your Camera" blog - that I had to come over here and visit you.
I am so glad I did. I have read several of your posts, and they spoke to my heart. Especially this one. There are several things in my life right now that are causing deep turmoil - and I was so encouraged by your words.
Yes, not by MY own reason or strength - Praise God that HE provides what I cannot find within myself.
I am excited to become your newest follower!
GOD BLESS!
You are so good at the listening. I'm practicing that. Recently God told me to stop trying to be Him and to let Him be God... I believe I've tried to do so much on my strength again, even though I knew better. This is also the 2nd time I've read this verse just today.
God bless, Renee, and I hope that you do feel God healing you from the inside out with this health issue.
Only "through Christ." It thrills me to think that I CAN with Christ--in His strength. Your reminder came at a good time for me.
Thanks for coming by Bettyl Appreciate your thoughts..yes..only His strength and timing....sometimes it is hard to wait!
Thank you Mia....I enjoy your comments.
Thanks Lisa....Amen! We do not live by our own reason or strength and do it well, that's for sure!
Thank you Sharon for coming by, for your encouraging words and for linking up to me as a follower. I visit your blog too..always delightful! God bless..
I struggle alot with "Striving" and am often in need of moving out of the way for God's power to step in. He is a gentleman and waits for our prayer for help! Hugs, friend.
Thank you Pamela....appreciate your thoughts here..your posts are always so powerful.
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