Wonder of Weakness
God's strength is sufficient, and it is developed through conscious weakness, making us aware of our dependence on Him.
Miles J. Stanford preaches on the development of faith through conscious weakness, emphasizing the need to trust in God's all-sufficient strength when we become aware of our utter weakness. He highlights that true faith is only realized when we are completely reliant on God's unfailing strength, rather than our own abilities or resources. Stanford also discusses the importance of keeping our focus on the Word of God and maintaining faith in the invisible, warning against being distracted by the visible which can hinder our faith walk.
Text
"He said to me, My strength is sufficient, for it is only by means of conscious weakness that perfect power is developed" (2 Corinthians 12:9, Wms.).
Our Father does not test our faith so much as He exercises and develops it. In time, He makes us aware of our utter weakness; and, in time, we trust and rest in His all-sufficient strength.
"Until we are carried quite out of our depth, beyond all our own wisdom and resources, we are no more than beginners in the school of faith. Only as everything fails us and we fail ourselves, do we draw upon abiding strength. 'Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee'; not partly in Thee and partly in himself. The devil often makes men strong, strong in themselves to do evil-great conquerors, great acquirers of wealth and power. The Lord on the contrary makes His servant weak, puts him in circumstances that will show him his nothingness, that he may lean upon the strength that is unfailing. It is a long lesson for most of us, but it cannot be passed over until deeply learned. And God Himself thinks no trouble too great, no care too costly to teach us this."
"Faith counts on the Word of God outside and apart from everything and everyone here. When you are in faith your life is centered in the Lord Jesus. The moment the heart is detained by anything here, faith is obstructed. The visible is antagonistic to the invisible. If you walk in the Spirit you will be sensible of this in a moment; the effects and influences of the visible are counter to the invisible. Eve had lost faith when she saw that the tree was good for food, and pleasant to the eyes. If she had kept faith-dependence upon God-she would not have looked, but she had parted with the faith which overcometh the world when she 'saw.' The moment one becomes occupied with the visible one has parted company with faith." -J.B.S.
"Since His power is so glorious, may you be strengthened with strength of every kind, and be prepared for cheerfully enduring all things with patience and longsuffering" (Colossians 1:11, Wey.).
Sermon Outline
- The Nature of God's Strength
- The Purpose of Trials
- The Source of True Strength
- The Importance of Faith
- Faith centers on the Lord Jesus
- The visible world can obstruct faith
Key Quotes
“My strength is sufficient, for it is only by means of conscious weakness that perfect power is developed.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Until we are carried quite out of our depth, beyond all our own wisdom and resources, we are no more than beginners in the school of faith.” — Miles J. Stanford
“Faith counts on the Word of God outside and apart from everything and everyone here.” — Miles J. Stanford
Application Points
- Recognize your dependence on God and acknowledge your weakness.
- Focus on the Lord Jesus and keep your faith centered on Him.
- Be patient and longsuffering, trusting in God's sufficient strength.