Powerless
This month I will be writing about feeling powerless. No one likes to feel like they don't have control over things. We are humans, we like being in control. Who likes having no control, right? God wants us to give him control.
The Bible teaches that feeling powerless is a normal human experience, but it is an opportunity to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. When we are weak, God promises to provide strength, grace, and peace, turning our feelings of helplessness into a reliance on His power (2 Corinthians 12:9, Isaiah 40:29). God’s Power in Our Weakness.
The Bible assures that God’s strength is perfected in our weakness, encouraging us to boast in our limitations so that Christ's power can work through us. This can look like:
A source of strength: Isaiah 40:29 promises that God gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Helplessness leading to trust: When we reach the end of our own strength, it forces us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, rather than leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
The Holy Spirit intercedes: When we are too weak or overwhelmed to know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with profound, silent prayers (Romans 8:26-27).
Jesus’s Compassion: Jesus is described as a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tested in every way, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Here are some encouraging scriptures when you feel like things are out of control:
Phil 4:13 "I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me".
Isaiah 41:10 I will hold you up with my victorious right hand".
Psalm 41:1 "God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble".
John 15:1 for without Me you can do nothing".
Here are some practical Biblical responses:
Prayer: Bring your feelings of helplessness to God, as in Philippians 4:6-7, which advises replacing anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving.
Reframe the Situation: Instead of focusing on the lack of control, trust that God is in control and working for your good (Romans 8:28).
Accept Support: Recognize that Surrendering Control to God: The Bible urges us to stop relying on our own understanding and trust God with our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
Find Strength in Weakness: Rather than trying to be strong, scripture suggests boasting in weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on us (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness".
God as a Refuge: When life feels chaotic or overwhelming, God is described as a "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
The Power of Prayer: When we feel helpless and do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26).
You are not meant to carry everything alone; God uses others to support you.
God wants us to surrender everything over to him. No one will make you do that, not even God. That's because He gives us free will, and this makes surrender a hard thing to do. Always know when we feel powerless, God will give us the power to overcome.