[Download a copy here.]
Sometimes we know we need to change, but it’s hard to find the strength, the resolve. Maybe it’s a bad habit or addiction that we just can’t seem to kick, or a good habit that we need to start. Unfortunately, if you’re like me you may tend to rely on yourself instead of Him.
I saw The Story Tour in Atlanta recently and Max Lucado was one of the hosts. At one point he spoke eloquently about our weakness and the Lord’s strength. His words went something like this:
You may have a problem with alcoholism, but Jesus Christ doesn’t, and he lives inside of you. You may have a problem with anger, but Jesus Christ doesn’t, and he lives inside of you.
“You may have a problem with ______________, but Jesus Christ doesn’t, and he lives inside of you.”
I think we all have a thing or two we could use to fill in that blank. Goodness knows I do.
A couple of weeks later I heard the following verse and recalled Max Lucado’s words, and the two tied together beautifully in my mind: this incredible power of Christ living within us.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me. ~Galatians 2:20
It’s when I reach that low point—the “I don’t know what I’m doing or how I’ll get through this. Please help me” moment—that relief flows even before I see God’s mercy in action. Blessings are found just in the letting go and acknowledging His control.
{I imagine God smiling down at this point and thinking, “Finally. She gets it.”}
The Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) How can I glorify God if I rely on my own strength? I can’t.
The power of Jesus Christ works through our weakness.
What about you? Do you have something that you need to let go of and hand over to Him? Remember, you may struggle with sin, but Jesus Christ doesn’t, and he lives inside of you.
Leave a Comment
Alyssa Santos says
One of my favorite verses of all is in Colossians. Part of it says, “I am hidden in Christ.” Knowing I belong to him and I am hidden in his grace has made the most difficult times bearable. There is great freedom in abiding. Thank you for this great, great truthful post.
Dawn Camp says
Oh, yes, those words—hidden in Christ—are quite comforting, too. Thank you, Alyssa!
Charina @ Pondered Thoughts says
Handing Him my worries and trusting fully in God…..so at peace with Him…
Thank you for this beautiful post Dawn.
Lisa H says
Yes! So many things but right now I’m struggling with lack of patience. I need patience to wait out God’s timing and plan for me relationally. I want so badly to be in a relationship with a man but this man is no where to be found. I’m a divorced mom of 2 kids and its been a few years now that I’ve been alone. I’m really really tired of it now. I took time to work on ‘me’ and my issues, not wanting to be in a relationship because I knew I wasn’t ready mentally or emotionally. I believe I am ready now but now I can’t seem to meet anyone. I do not want to be alone for the rest of my life and I know in God’s timing if its in his plan a man will come into my life. But I’m not going to lie, I’m growing impatient in waiting because its lonely being the only ‘single’ in the group………
Dawn Camp says
Lisa, I understand your struggle with patience. People think I must be very patient because I have a lot of kids, but I’m not. I’m just emerging from a 2-year-long patience struggle of my own!
I pray for you as you seek the patience and the trust to accept God’s timing.
Beth Williams says
Lisa,
Prying for God to send that special someone to enhance your life.
Try using E-harmony, or Yahoo Personals. That is how God introduced me to the love of my life. Did it take courage to post my moniker out there for all to view–sure, but I just trusted that God knew what He was doing in directing me there!
YSIC
Lisa H says
I have tried e-harmony, christian cafe, and now match.com. I will keep trying and keep waiting. All the while praying God will lead me where I need to be.
Lisa
Renee says
Hi Lisa, I was a single mom for 12 years, and had that same angst. And sometimes when I took that angst into my own hand that led me where God did not intend me to be, but out of that sin came final surrender. Not that any of that applies to your statements, but I’m sharing that to say where I was and where I came to the realization of God’s preparing. When I did finally meet my now husband, what we both learned was that God was working on us both at that time and if we’d met any earlier we would not have been ready for each other. When I came to my final surrender, some of the truth I realized was that I needed to be praying for my future husband. I’m so thankful for the many times God said no to me, and so much more thankful for the time He said yes to us. Thank you for sharing your heart, and I’m praying for you and your future husband and family.
Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
I love 2 Cor. 12:9, and especially followed by vs. 10 that ends with
“when I am weak, then I am strong.”
All Because of Him!
The first time I read it, I thought it said, “when I am weak, He is strong.”
But it says, I am strong!
Because of Him!
Angela says
This is beautiful. Not five minutes ago I was praying to God about letting go. Letting go of control, mostly. I don’t know what the future holds, but I don’t need to worry, because Jesus does, and he is my heavenly father. I can trust him.
Dawn Camp says
Yes, Angela, you can trust in Him and let Him take control. 🙂
Tanya says
Thanks so much for this. I needed to read that this morning. This has been a week of learning to let go and let God. I struggle with worry, but I know He has a plan for me! Thanks again!
Lisa says
Great post! I can see putting that Max Lucado quote on my mirror and saying that to myself every morning. There is SOMETHING we struggle with every day, even if it’s just finding the sun on a dark day.
Dawn Camp says
Lisa, did you see that there’s a bigger downloadable version? I’d love to think of you putting it on your mirror. 🙂
Holley says
Beautiful, friend. I love seeing life through your (and Jesus’) eyes.
Kaitlin @ Perceptions & Passions says
Love this.
Mine for today is:
I may have a problem with our other people percieve me, but Jesus Christ doens’t and He lives in me! 🙂
Beth Williams says
I have a problem with frustration/impatience, and tempers. This post reminds me that HE IS IN CONTROL of everything. I just need to stop & pray about “it” and let Him handle the situation!
Wonderful Post!!!
amy says
Amazing post…thank you. I have a problem with infertility but Jesus doesn’t…powerful concept and one I really needed to hear. Thank you!
Dawn Camp says
Oh, Amy. I’m saying a special prayer for you today.
amy says
Thank you so much Dawn, I need it 🙂
Katie says
This is so encouraging… It’s freeing to know that we don’t have to worry because it’s Jesus in us that makes all the difference. We can overcome anything because He lives in us!
AMIM says
KNOWING HOW TO LET GO IS KNOWING HOW TO CONFRONT ALL.
wow!its fascinating how you and i both belong to different religions and beliefs but the circumstances in life teach us how God is there to strengthen up our souls no matter what our beliefs are about Him.i identified God after broken heart and shattered dreams.when the greatest of worldly desires was gone from my life,i felt most painful but with time i realized that God created a new man in me .a new heart with a desire beyond the scope of this world to fulfill my thirst.and in identifying the true love of God,i realized that that is the purpose of our life actually..to identify God,not in books or religion but in our very own heart.and that is what i just posted a few hours back on my blog.the 5 stages of journey to eternity ,a doorway to heaven..the stages are
1-wisdom(aqal)
2-worry(fikar)
3-love(ishq)
a- for a partner
b- for god
4-reality
5-super-human knowledge
in my blog,(www.amimakhter.blogspot.com)ive explained how we move through these stages in life.
GOOD WORK.KEEP IT UP
Jennifer_StudioJRU says
Oh I love this Dawn! What a powerful reminder. Such a beautiful imagine… I am *so* printing that out. Thank you!
Katy says
So beautiful! Wow–how essential to remember that Christ and His power live within us–what joy! I love Max Lucado’s work, and this is a wonderful lesson! Thank you so much for sharing your heart! Blessings!
Julie Sunne says
I love the words of this post and the verses you chose, Dawn. God is sufficient. Always. Forever. In all circumstances. Why can’t we grasp that and live that way? Always. Forever. In all circumstances. We would be wise to do so. Here’s to trying again–this time through God’s grace!
Coralee says
Thank you for this great thought!
We are taught to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and love them, I shall.
But as humans we do have those moments when we might not ‘like’ all of our brothers & sisters. This thought allows us, that moment, but reminds us about the love that should shine from within.
Jessica says
My “go to” bible verse when times are tough and I need a reminder of His sweet grace and protection, is Psalms 34:7; “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about those that fear Him, and they are delivered.” I can’t help but get a visual of a huge canopy tent firmly planted around my sorrows, fears and concerns, with His angels standing guard at the door. It reminds me that that I am not alone, I never have been, and never will be.
“I may have a problem with ‘money’ but Jesus Christ doesn’t, and he lives inside of me.”