STRENGTH IN TRIALS

One thing 2025 has taught me is that I am weak. I have a breaking point and my strength is finite after all. In a world that glorifies personal strength and independence, this is a pretty unconventional lesson to embrace, and I am so glad I’ve learnt it.

“But He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My loving kindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Have you ever gotten to a place where you asked the Lord to be your strength because you couldn’t do it on your own, and the days ahead actually felt like strength was injected into your system. That even you are amazed at how you made it through a stormy time because in your own strength, you know you had no capacity!

What a privilege it is to rely on the God of all strength, whose plans for us are always good. And no, I don’t mean saying God is my strength, and then proceed to make plans or try and figure things out. I mean actually coming to the place where you’re at the end of yourself with nothing else to give, and everything else after is full reliance on the LORD. Because there, His power is perfected and shows itself, and the burden is no longer ours to carry by ourselves.

The real strength required of us in trials is just vulnerability. A willingness to humble our selves enough to admit we need God and give him full access. God in his goodness and mercy knows what we need and how to get us to where we need to go. Whether it is sending help from above through community, or perfecting your character through the trials for what’s ahead, or just the assurance your spirit needs to know that you’re not carrying the load alone, and that you are strengthened by the one who sees all and knows all. We were never meant to do this life alone, especially not apart from the one who should be our source. Self sufficiency and personal strength is a lie from the enemy that we must overcome through prayer and God’s word.

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The posture of our hearts, in difficulty, should always be surrender before the LORD, because that’s where true strength is found. I have accepted that I am weak, because it is better for me to boast in my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me, and His strength be made perfect.

Written by Shulamite Hasiciimbwe.