Devotion #3: Weakness for Strength

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 

Recently, I saw a poster that said, “Give Him your weakness, and He will give you His strength.”  

Romans 8:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. I have been living in this verse for the last few weeks. Sometimes, our outside is going through the day-to-day of life, and we can appear that everything is just fine. However, on the inside, the weakness and groaning of circumstances beyond our control are looming as we await unknown answers or results. 

The Greek word for “helps” in this verse means to assist or support. When we cry out, the Holy Spirit is right there to help us and guide us. He shares our burdens and weaknesses and gives us strength. God’s promises never fail. He is waiting for us to bring our struggles to Him so He can take the burden and give us guidance as we seek Him.  

The Apostle Paul goes on to explain God’s future glory in the verses here in Romans chapter 8. One day, the world will be back to the way God created it with no more suffering and groaning. For now, He is always there to help us through our trials. One day, the suffering will be over, and believers will live a perfect life with God. It will be a life that He has always planned for us.  

My current trial is not over, but I am so thankful to serve a great God who assists and supports me when I am weak. In 1 Peter 4:7, we are reminded that we can cast all our cares on the Lord because He cares for us. Jeremiah chapter 32 tells us that nothing is too hard for our God.  

Will you take a minute to pray and thank the Lord for always being there for us:  Thank you, Father, for caring about all the trials that we go through. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us when we are struggling. Thank you, Jesus, for going to the cross to pay the debt for our sins. We give you praise, honor, and glory and look forward to the day when we will spend eternity with You in that perfect place where we will groan and struggle no more. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Romans 15:13 adds, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”