A Prayer for Strength in Moments of Weakness

　　By Keri Eichberger

　　“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19

　　Sometimes, I panic under pressure. Like a recent incident when my mom, brother, husband (Mike), and I were caravanning my dad from a hospital in Charleston, South Carolina, directly to an inpatient rehabilitation facility nine hours Northeast back home to Louisville, Kentucky. Dad was two weeks into a long road to recovery after suffering a life-altering stroke. A few short hours before we reached our destination, as Dad was seeming to struggle a bit, Mom decided we should stop, reposition him, and make sure all was good. My emotions and anxieties had already been compounding to a record high, so when we pulled into the closest gas station, I quickly escaped solo straight to the bathroom. Praying for a large serving of God’s permeating peace so I could return to maybe help and calm the situation. I wanted so badly for Dad to be better. I wanted assurance everything was going to be okay.

　　But, sometimes, I panic under pressure. And in this moment I felt my weakness swell and persist. An all too familiar feeling. I prayed for God's strength. Desperate for his strong hands and heart. But it seemed like only weakness remained. Do you feel weak, or remember when you recently did? And do you get anxious when chaotic moments are present? I’m pretty sure we all do. Maybe you’re weighed down by weariness right now. Or feel your fight and fortitude to endure your current circumstances are next to nonexistent. The Bible tells us God’s power and strength are made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9). I believe it. I’ve seen it, and saw it that day.

　　At the gas station in who-knows-where-Kentucky, I waited for God’s power to show up within my weakening soul. But it didn’t quite happen the way I was looking for. And I hope this can be an encouragement to you today, too. God showed up. Within the very minute we pulled up to a gas pump, so did an ambulance at the one beside us. Our gracious God also gifted my husband the strength, awareness, and boldness to approach the EMT, share our story, and request assistance. The EMS angels, as we now refer to them, reported good vitals and offered us the assurance and peace we needed to finish the remaining drive to get Dad to the local hospital safely. Thank you, Jesus.

　　If I hadn’t kept my eyes on the Lord, I may have missed how his divine strength was delivered. How he showed up, answered my prayer, and provided perfect strength. Though not specifically through strengthening my own will and way, but through that of another, to then bolster my soul and spirit with his sufficient peace.

　　Friends, when we look to him in our weakness, he certainly does show up. He may not necessarily resolve your own personal weakness by empowering you with strength in the way you are hoping, though he might. But, many times it will be through the aid of another of his children (one of their gifts, their talents, their abilities, or calls for help). And his blessing of strength may not feel extravagant or as supernatural as an ambulance approaching seemingly out of nowhere when needed. In fact, sometimes, his blessings are small and subtle. But nonetheless, just as powerful.

　　I pray today that you will be on the lookout for how he is offering you blessings of strength. I pray that in whatever way you feel weakness right now, you can be confident he hears every cry for help. He hears every request for strength. And he supplies every need according to the riches of his glory. (Philippians 4:19)

　　Let’s pray:

　　Mighty God, Your strength is sufficient for all that I need. And you know I need so, so much. You know every weakness I am weathering now and all my moments to come. Lord, I want desperately to be refreshed and renewed with your strength and power so that I can personally handle the hard things in my life I am walking through. But sometimes that isn’t your plan. Sometimes, your strength comes from others. Or in forms I least expect. Like a surprise encouragement, gift, beautiful blessings, or scenes surrounding me. Help me to keep leaning on you in my weak moments. Help me to keep lifting my eyes to you over and over. And help me to see you. God, you are my strength. You supply all that I need. You have carried me here, and I know you will not stop. You will not fail. I praise you for that. In your Son’s strong name, Amen.