“- – – our sufficiency is of God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5
Some days seem too difficult to deal with; we are overwhelmed by the obstacles before us. While we want to be brave and strong, we are too weak and weary to overcome the challenges confronting us. So instead of trying, we just sit down and cry—distraught that our ability isn’t up to the task. But there is a better way. Facing certain defeat, we need to change our perspective. We need to view our situation in the light of the Scriptures, for it is there that we see the source of our strength. This is what James Smith wanted his church to see back in 1840 when he wrote these words:
LET us think of this, whenever we are cast down on account of our weakness, or the difficulties we meet with in our way. We are weak, but Jesus is strong; and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He has given us His word, that He will work in us to will and to do of His own good pleasure. He speaks, and it is done. The word of the Lord knows no obstacles or difficulties; all things must obey Him. When He sent Moses to Pharaoh, He said, “Certainly I will be with thee:” and the Lord’s presence was his strength. He acts just so with us; His fullness is our sufficiency; it is opened to us in Jesus, and we receive from it according to our wants, weakness, and faith. “Through God, ” said David, “I shall do valiantly.” “I can do all things,” said Paul, “through Christ strengthening me.” Look not then at your own emptiness, or weakness; but look at what God is to His people, and what He has promised to give them, and sing, “OUR SUFFICIENCY IS OF GOD.” “God is our refuge and strength; and as our days so shall our strength be.” “His grace is sufficient for us; His strength is made perfect in weakness.”
When we cannot see our way,
We should trust, and still obey;
He who bids us forward go
Will instruct the way to know.
