Trading Weakness for Strength

When we empty ourselves, we ask God to trade our weakness for his strength. How do we do that? Prayer and study of scripture are two ways that are a tremendous help. Look at this verse from Sirach 2:10:

“Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?”

To the foot of the Cross

Turning to God in prayer is one of the most beneficial things we can do for ourselves. When we pray, we need to have it be a time of both talking to God and quiet. Tell him everything that is on your mind. Yes, of course, he knows already but articulating it is more for ourselves than for him. Hearing your concerns out loud can help you realize how important or not important they are. When we speak our worries, they have less of a hold on us and we might realize that we can stop worrying. When we speak, we turn our concerns over to God. I love the image of putting them all in a box at the foot of the cross. And leaving them there!

Quiet

Then sit in the quiet. Breathe. Rest. Imagine yourself sitting in God’s lap or walking with Jesus. Feel the presence of God. Don’t try to hear anything. I find my answers don’t usually come when I am sitting in quiet. They come later, when I’m washing the dishes or out walking, my mind just wandering, and suddenly, I get the word or next step from him. Make time for prayer every day and incorporate it into your day. Try to follow St. Paul’s words to “pray without ceasing.” When you need to make a decision, pause, breathe, and ask God to guide you. Do you feel anxious? Pray the Lord’s prayer to be reminded that God gives us all that we need. Did something wonderful happen? Thank God. God wants to be near to us. He is ready; we need to call on him. Prayer calls on him and helps us let go. Prayer teaches us to trust.