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СКАЧАТЬ and nourishment, Elijah took a forty-day journey to Mount Horeb to meet with the Lord (1 Kings 19:6–8).

Jesus said:“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11: 28)

      *King David did have moments of weakness. The bible explains what He did when he and his companions were hungry, how he entered the house of God and they ate the sacred bread, which was against the law for him or his companions to eat, but only for the priests. (1 Samuel 21:4-6)

      *Samson also had his moments of weakness, despite his supernatural strength given to him by God, he was acceded to his weakness and lust for pagan women by consciously visiting harlots and prostitutes- an act of blasphemy and blatant profanation of his honour as a Nazarite and Israelites, for non-Israelite were forbidden fruit.

      The Book of Romans (Romans 5:8) also tells us that *Jesus died for us while we were still weak, that is, while we were ungodly and lacked any possibility of deserving the slightest good.

      However, many Christians say and believe that we are strongest when we are on our knees in prayer. This seems totally erroneous and contradictory to unbelievers, and yet when we turn things over to God in prayer our lives are strengthened and refreshed.

      Just as Samson prayed, because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the LORD… (Judges 15:18). Again, he called out to the Lord in (Judges 16:28) saying: “...‘O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time…”

      His prayer for the return of his strength is answered and he destroyed Israel’s enemies. At the same time he became martyred and honoured in his death.

      In the end the God of Israel destroyed His enemies and Samson was redeemed to his faith while he died praying.

      1.1.2. Weakness in Prayer

      Sometimes we are getting weak when we pray, we lack the words or know-how. “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)

      I might not be able to fully understand or describe how the Spirit strengthens us in our weakness because it is beyond what my limited mind can comprehend. However, I know that I have experienced it. Just as we can’t see the wind with our eyes, yet see evidence of its presence, we can’t see or always feel the strength of Christ flowing through us, yet see evidence of his power.

      As much as I have grieved for the loss of my wife, ached, cried, and sat alone in silence, I have experienced a sweet, satisfying dependence on Christ that no words can sufficiently describe. While (me and my children) we have been blown away by the love that others have sacrificially shown us, ultimately it is Christ Himself who has sustained us, provided what we need, and carried us through this darkness. There is a strange sense of freedom that comes with knowing that God alone is big enough to save us.

      Thus, the moment we realise that we were not created to take on life’s difficulties alone, we will then recognize the power of each weakness. What is so beautiful about being weak is how we allow ourselves to remove our walls. Our walls are that which contain what we do not want others to see; our flaws, sins, failures, lies, and personal struggles. Often when we allow this to happen, we find strengths we didn’t realize we had and faith stronger than we knew.“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!”(1 Chronicles 16:11).

      So, if you have something kind, uplifting, or empowering to say, say it. Don’t be afraid of being judged. Most of us doesn’t live an authentic life for fear of judgement by others. You have to speak up when you have something to say. Don’t hide your thoughts and feelings, especially when your voice can make a difference.

      We have grown in a society that says, “If you need people, it’s a sign of weakness”, when God calls us to confess to one another… (James 5:16). You can’t just do it by yourself, “everybody” needs “somebody”, don’t suffer in silence, but talk to somebody. Don’t keep your pain all to yourself, you will feel a lot better when you have someone to share it with, someone you can trust.

      Above all, you need to pray and speak God’s inspired words through the Holy Spirit into your life and build yourself up in God. For the bible says “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Isaiah 40: 29). This power is not just for preachers, evangelists, or people who work in special ministry; rather, it is available to every believer who willingly surrenders in submission and obedience to the Holy Spirit.

      Jesus was actually filled with the power of God when he submitted his will to that of the Father, and that is the same for us. When Jesus lives in us, we can live by the power of God. “For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.”(2 Corinthians 13:4)

      1.1.3. Weakness in communities (widows, orphans and the poor)

      With this in mind, there is more we can do to address this weaknesses in our communities. As Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:14) that they must warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak and be patient with everyone. We can also help in our communities (the weak, the widows, and the orphans) but even in that, it must be with love, patience and never forget we depend on God in our weakness. For when we are weak, then we are strong.

“For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy” (Job 29:12-13)

      Even with the Israelite community, it was understood that care and protections be given towards those on the margins of their society. In the Old Testament God gives various commands about how to live in community with one another. These are not commands to be acted upon haphazardly when we are convicted or feel passion, but rather it outlines the plans for a just and merciful community where all may flourish.

      These Old Testament commands include insights into equality of opportunity (the year of Jubilee) and opportunities for the poor to provide for themselves (gleaning). “When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 23:22)

“Happy are those who pay close attention to the poor, The LORD rescues them during troubling times.” (Psalm 41:1)

      1.1.4. Weakness in faith

      And, when addressing the issues of weakness, Apostle Paul specifically identified two areas of concern: food and holy days. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer whose faith is weak (with a sensitive conscience) will eat only vegetables. Similarly, some are very concerned about observing special holy days, while others consider each day alike. (Romans 14:2- 5).

      Those who consider issues like this very important, with regard to the Kingdom are regarded as weak “whose faith is weak” (Romans 14:1) while those who does not are strong. He further address the issue as follows. “But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. (1 Corinthians 8:8)

      So, the food and observance of holy days have nothing at all to do with salvation. We are no better off for partaking or abstaining, because these things are of no significance to the kingdom of God.

      Instead, those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods СКАЧАТЬ