In the children’s song “Jesus Loves Me,” one of the most memorable lines is “When I am weak, you are strong.” As people, especially men, we often avoid being perceived as weak and tend to go through life without seeking help when we need it. There have been moments in my life — and you may have experienced them too — when you reach the end of yourself and surrender to God.
It is often during times of surrender that God teaches us life-changing lessons. The disciple Peter was humbled the day before Jesus’ crucifixion, and through that experience, he became a different person. Although before this happened, Peter thought of himself as a man of invincible strength.
John 13:37 “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” Peter asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.[1] How those words must have seemed impossible as Jesus spoke. Peter may have thought to himself, “But I am strong, Lord.” In many ways, Peter reflects many of us.
Jesus is Our Strength
After predicting Peter’s denial, Jesus addressed the disciples’ deep concerns. They were confused, and He encouraged them to trust, emphasizing the importance of anchoring that trust in Jesus. John 14:1Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. [2] We often find ourselves uncomfortable with potential weaknesses and failures, so we tend to avoid thinking about them. Peter, for example, denied his own fragility and thought he had more faith than he truly did.
Jesus offers a solution for troubled hearts: trusting Him. Trust isn’t about pretending to be strong; it’s about honestly recognizing our weaknesses and our need for God’s help. If we ever believe, even for a moment, that we can follow Jesus on our own, we set ourselves up for failure, just like Peter. These words encourage us to look to the Lord, who is our anchor. Psalm 62:1 I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. [3]
Don’t Let your Hearts be Troubled
Everyone has days when they feel down, anxious, tired, or discouraged. Life often doesn’t go as planned, bringing unexpected twists, turns, highs, and lows. If your journey resembles this, you’re not alone. The Bible shows many instances where God’s people experience discouragement and even depression at times. Some want to give up, run away, or are so overwhelmed they don’t know what to do next.
The good news is that the Bible also reveals how God comforts and meets His people during these difficult times. If you’re feeling a bit discouraged, remember that God is always there to meet you through His Word and the Holy Spirit. By His grace, He can turn life’s trials into incredible opportunities to help believers grow and become more like His Jesus.
To find out how when I am weak, You are strong, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.