Rebecca St. James: We Are Weak But He Is Strong
Rebecca St. James has sold millions of records globally, she is on the “SHE” tour right now ministering to young women about being Safe, Healthy and Empowered (SHE). But if you’ve followed Rebecca St. James’ career it’s not only her music that she’s passionate about it’s her complete trust in the Lord. She sent us an e-mail to encourage you to go out this week knowing that God can use you probably more effectively in your weakness than He could if you were feeling strong today.
Hello
Have you ever heard the saying, “Everything we need to know in life, we learned in kindergarten”? Many people learned a great deal in Sunday school. All of us as children with bright beaming faces have sung in our best and most earnest voices the words to “Jesus Loves Me”: Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong! We all face times in life when we literally find that we, in our humanness, are not sufficient for the task at hand. We come face-to-face with the truth of the reality that in our weakness God is strong.
I once participated in an event called Thrive that was telecast live via closed circuit across the country to churches. I was not feeling very well the day of my concert—physically, emotionally, and spiritually I was feeling quite vulnerable. I was also a little nervous about sharing the stage with the caliber of the other women at the event—women such as Kay Arthur, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lynne Hybels. If there were ever a time I wanted to feel it was “game on” musically and every other way—it was now—and I wasn’t feeling that way at all. I spoke with a friend right before I went onstage and asked her to pray for me.
She said, “Rebecca, I want you to remember what it means to be a jar of clay. Even if we have only a few drops left in the bottom of the jar—that’s a good thing! It allows God to fill us up—rather than us being filled up on our own strength. I want to encourage you to go out there knowing that God can use you probably more effectively in your weakness than He could if you were feeling strong today.”
Her encouragement changed my total perspective and outlook so much that day, as if it gave me an instant spiritual transformation. My spirit just felt so much lighter and free. I was able to share honestly with the audience about how there needs to be a place for honesty and vulnerability within our relationships. It promotes community and an atmosphere where we can then turn to God together. What a powerful and beautiful thing it is.
Some people think they can handle everything on their own, as if they are islands unto themselves, but sooner or later they will run into a situation in which they must draw on strength from outside. It might be a serious health issue, a financial burden, a difficult decision that must be made, or the need to overcome a nagging sin. Pity the person who feels as if he has nowhere to turn to in those difficult times. God has provided strength for your life not only through His own supernatural power, but also through the friends He has brought into your path. The Christian life can only properly be lived in community—walking in intimacy with the Father, and doing life together with faithful brothers and sisters in the kingdom of God.
Is there an area in your life right now in which you feel particularly weak and vulnerable? Be straight up with those that are closest to you about what’s going on in your life and you’ll find your strength in God and in the community that He’s given to surround you. Take heart, help is on the way.
Be encouraged my friends!
Rebecca
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2 Responses to “Rebecca St. James: We Are Weak But He Is Strong”
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Thank you for this message. It is someting I needed to hear at this moment. I prayed to God last night about my daughter and the difficult time I am facing right now and not knowing how to help her. Your message was right on for me so again….Thank You!!
So very true, a lesson God has been teaching me. I am so grateful for the godly friends He has put in my life! He is up to something good.