Friday, November 16, 2012
Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Watch the weakest link, Friend.
Some weeks ago, as I was pondering and praying about our church, the Lord spoke these words to me “watch the weakest link.” As the day of the Lord’s return approaches, the assault of the enemy will increase. Indeed, I believe we are already in that final devil death-frenzy. The Lord was telling me to be aware of and shore up the weak spots in our armor. Satan will hit us at our weakest link. He is evil, but not stupid. He will bring pressure where it is most likely to do damage. From the viewpoint of the church, we began to redouble our efforts to pray for those who struggle. Every leader has an immediate response to the words ”weakest link.” We see a particular person or persons whom we know from experience to be the most likely to fold under pressure. Our job in leadership is not to smash the weakest link, but to try and strengthen it. We can pray, we can encourage, and we can give help to get them through the assault and maintain the integrity of our corporate work. If necessary, we can begin to prepare others to take their place.
On a personal level, I began to examine myself. Where are my weakest links? We all have some. I am no different. In most cases, it is some area we are aware of but we put off dealing with because it is uncomfortable, or difficult, or it is simply not a priority. It is probably an area where we have experienced repeated discomfort or discouragement. It may be a weakness of the flesh or an area where faith has not been developed. It is time to deal with it. It is the last hour and the enemy knows the soft spots. Let me encourage you: don’t be afraid to face reality and deal with it:
- Ask the Lord to show you your weak spots. Ps 25:9
- Find what the Word says about the subject. Build yourself up in faith by reading and meditating the promise. Ps 119:28
- Ask yourself the hard questions:
- Am I daily feeding my faith on His Word?
- What am I feeding into my heart: fear, fluff, or faith?
- Are there fear sources I need to shut off: media or people?
- Am I forsaking the assembly of the saints?
- Am I maintaining a submitted relationship with the authorities in my life?
- Have I allowed unforgiveness to reside in my heart?
- Does my speech match my doctrine?
- Am I doing what God assigned me to do?
- Get godly people to stand with you and hold you accountable. You are not alone. James 5:16
When we find a weak link, we don’t smash it, or ridicule it, or condemn ourselves because of it. We take steps to identify, support, repair and strengthen.
Somebody Said: You cannot run away from weakness; you must some time fight it out or perish; and if that be so, why not now, where you stand? Robert Louis Stevenson
Scripture Reading: Each time He said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT)
Weaknesses are universal. God knew it and provided for it. Our job is always to identify, support, repair and strengthen. His grace is sufficient to overcome our deficiencies. We are in the midst of the culmination of history, the times that the prophets longed to see. We will rise to the occasion.
vls
pastorvirgil.com 