From Striving to Rest: His Strength in Our Weakness

Some mornings, I wake up feeling like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. I’ve spent so much time striving, pushing, and trying to prove I’ve got it all under control. But God’s Word reminds me that true strength isn’t found in what I can do—it’s found in surrender. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Waking Up in His Presence

This morning, I woke up well-rested, still basking in the worship atmosphere of the night before. Recently, I started rereading the Bible, holding on to God’s promise: “If you seek Me, you will find Me.” Scripture also reminds us that “we do not receive because we do not ask.”

Wonders That Reveal God’s Power

Right now, I’m in the book of Joshua, and each time I read, I see something new. The Word of God is alive—it never stops unfolding. I’m in awe of the miracles and wonders God performed for Israel: the plagues in Egypt, the cloud by day and fire by night, the donkey that saw the angel of the Lord and spoke, the sun and moon standing still for Joshua so Israel could win the battle, His mercy toward Rahab (a prostitute) who believed in Him, and even sparing her family.

Conviction in the Wilderness

All of this opened my eyes to a reality far greater than earthly limitations or human traditions. It revealed a God who can do anything—beyond what human minds can grasp. But in that same light, I was convicted of the times I murmured and complained, just like Israel in the wilderness. They longed for the foods of Egypt even in their freedom. When they cried out for meat, God sent quail—but because of their grumbling, He also sent a plague. Their constant complaining and lack of faith caused them to wander forty years, and the generation that left Egypt did not see Canaan, the promised land.

It reminded me that despite our weaknesses and sufferings, God calls us to give Him the glory as we wait on Him, trusting His strength.

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A Song That Broke Me

Last night, as I prepared for bed, I heard a song:

Holy Spirit carry me oh, carry me oh!

And tears filled my eyes. I realized how many burdens I have carried on my own, even though God asks me to lay them down. 

Striving That Turns Into Idolatry

I had often exalted my struggles above the Lord—making them an idol in my heart. I tried to prove, through sheer effort, that “I’ve got this.” But deep inside, my spirit was crying out for help. Help that does not come by my strength, but by the mighty hand of the Creator.

This morning, the same song echoed in my heart. I searched it out and let the words sink in tears brimming in my eyes, hands lifted up to the heavens:

Holy Spirit carry me oh, carry me oh,
On wings of eagles to the place of prayer, carry me oh,
To the place of power, to the deep, deep waters, carry me oh…

The words broke something in me—something that had glorified self over the knowledge of God.

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Not long after, a friend texted me. Though we’ve barely been in touch, her words carried the same spirit of striving I had seen in myself—restlessness and trying to achieve by human strength alone. Without overthinking, I simply told her: “Be still and know that He is God.”

But the truth is, that message was as much for me as it was for her.

God, through His Word, had searched my heart and shone His light on the darkness that was draining me. And as I wept, my spirit found rest in Him.

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Moses and the Rod in His Hand

I remembered a sermon on Moses. When God called him to confront Pharaoh, Moses doubted, fearing Israel wouldn’t believe him. The Lord asked him: “What is that in your hand?” Moses replied, “A rod.” God told him to cast it down, and it became a snake. Then God commanded him to pick it up by the tail—and it turned back into a rod.

This taught me two things:

1. No one holds a snake by the tail—it’s dangerous. But when God is in it, the impossible becomes possible.
2. God used something ordinary—Moses’ rod—to demonstrate His power. Moses didn’t realize he already held a weapon in his hand.

The preacher went on to say: “We too have that same weapon in our hands—the Word of God.” It is living and active, scattering darkness and pulling down strongholds that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.

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Speak Life Over Yourself

You cannot immerse yourself in God’s Word without it transforming you. But you must seek Him diligently—not with worldly demands, but with reverence for who He is: our Rock, the King of kings, Creator of the universe, a Man of war, merciful and mighty, the Alpha and Omega. He knows the heart that sincerely seeks Him.

In His Word, I’ve found healing, calm, and rest. Without striving, I’ve discovered His nurture, His restoration, and His rebuilding of my broken places.

And so, as you begin your journey to know Him more deeply, I leave you with this:

“Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!’” (Joel 3:10)

Speak God’s blessings over your life. Do not give in to fear or discouragement. Trust His provision and abundance. His strength is truly made perfect in our weakness.