the spirit's power

1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Before the taping of my first video series, my confidence took a severe beating. I had worked so hard in preparation; yet as the time arrived, I had nothing to offer. I told the Lord, “You're on your own here. I have nothing to give."

The skies did not suddenly open with an outpouring of strength. Three hours later, I walked on the set completely by faith. Thousands of dollars' worth of equipment had been shipped to Houston. A large team had prepared for the production. Six cameras were in place. An audience had gathered. Everything was ready—except me. I walked out with only enough strength to get on my knees in front of them and pray.

When I got up, a stream of strength seemed to flow from heaven. Not in buckets. It was more like an intravenous drip. God was sustaining me minute by minute. I never felt a rush of adrenaline or a gust of mighty wind. But hours of demanding work took place over that week and I never lacked the strength to complete the task. As an adult, I never had less confidence. Yet he kept my knees from buckling.

When I received the first letter from a viewer of the video series, I wept as I read her words of thanks. I whispered back, “It was God. Not me."

There are wonderful promises in Scripture directed specifically for times of weakness. Deuteronomy 33:25 says, “As your days, so shall your strength be.” Paul reminded us of this promise again in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. . . . For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Even when the enemy tries to make us lose confidence, God can take the victory with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. In those times God can produce a harvest of fruit unlike any other. Those who have been touched are encouraged in a faith that does “not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5).

By his power, other people end up seeing God instead of us. —Beth Moore bethmoore.org

seeking: Father, what have you just touched deep within my heart? How can you use my insecurity for your glory?

responding: When was the last time I lost my confidence? • Is insecurity holding me back from the ministry God has for me? From a door he has opened?

Lord, as much as I resist asking you to let me experience the end of my own strength and ability, I thank you for my weaknesses. Make it clear whose power works within me. Thank you for your amazing faithfulness. In Jesus' name, amen.

following: God can use us the most powerfully when we feel the least adequate.

our journey