Man’s Weakness

Man’s Weakness

“To our shame, I say that we were too weak for that!” 2 Cor. 11:21. Even the strong Paul was weak! Even after he had come into possession of much of God’s mighty power—even then he was weak; he was so weak that he was ashamed of it! Then what must be the state of weaker people, and people who possess less of God’s power?

God knows man’s weakness, and He does not forget it. “He remembers that we are dust.” Ps. 103:14. As soon as a person receives light from God, he also begins to understand his weakness in all seriousness. And when we receive more light, we realize that man is even weaker than we had imagined. Therefore a continuously increasing light means a continuously deeper understanding of man’s weakness.

This understanding makes us longsuffering.

As we continue to grow in God, we will be forced to exclaim again and again: “I never thought that man was so weak!” You certainly cannot expect much from a human being! The most realistic thing is not to expect anything at all! He can hardly bear being looked at, far less being spoken to!!!

The most painful thing that exists for a human being is to bear his sinful fellow men. How difficult it is for people to get along! How indescribably little people can bear from each other! And this despite the fact that God bears so indescribably much from all of us!!!

The fathers are exhorted not to provoke their children, lest they become angry or discouraged. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21. How can you possibly provoke them? By expecting too much from them. How much could you reasonably expect from them? I presume that “one thought” more than nothing would be suitable. Try it!

One of the most essential things we have to learn in Christ’s steps is to act as if nothing happened because we cannot (using wisdom) consider reprimanding or seek to correct any more than a fraction of all the foolishness we see and hear.

Do not expect the various ones who sound good to be faithful. Most of them are unfaithful. Do not expect to find support from one or another person; most of them will tear down more rather than be supportive. Do not expect the various ones who give a good testimony to live according to it, for most of them are only emotional talkers. Do not expect this person or that person to provide anything. Most of them are only prepared to enjoy and not to give. Do not expect anyone to defend you or the truth, for most people think only of their personal advantage, and you can expect them to fail for a “bowl of lentils.”

However, the Lord is strong! He is truthful and faithful! You can expect everything good from Him! He keeps His word! Glory to His name! Human help is vain! Trust in the Lord!

Demand faithfulness and endurance from yourself, and be prepared for others to fail. Do not expect anything good from them; then you will never be disappointed!!!

Never believe that man is strong! They are always incredibly much weaker than you could have ever imagined. Man is so weak that not a word in the language can express it, and a woman is even much weaker than that. This is precisely why the man is exhorted to dwell with his wife with understanding, remembering that she is the weaker vessel. 1 Pet. 3:7.

He is the weak vessel. She is the weaker vessel. Alas, how weak man is! He must lie; he simply cannot speak the truth. He must get his own will through; he does not manage to deny it. He must make an objection; he cannot bring himself to submit quietly. He must have it for himself; he is unable to let others have it. He must prove that he is right; he cannot bear it to suffer unjustly. He must have his say; he simply cannot keep it to himself. He must be anxious; he cannot endure to wait quietly and in confidence.

Since we are so pitifully weak, it is blessed that God has promised us abundant strength. According to Jesus’ own words, the Father would rather give us strength from on high than we would give our children bread. Then it must go fairly easily!!!!

Therefore let us always pray for and believe in God’s power so that we can follow the exhortations: “Be brave, be strong.” 1 Cor. 16:13. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Eph. 6:10.