Scripture References: Hebrews 11:34; Matthew 12:20; Joel 3:10;

2nd. Peter 1; Isaiah 40:31; 2nd. Cor. 4:16 Lamentations 3:23-24;

Why is it that we feel so unworthy in our weaknesses? God said to Joel, "Let the weak say I am strong", and Paul wrote that out of weakness we are made strong. Jesus further stated "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench." What is weaker than the bruised reed or the smoking flax? A reed that grows in marshes is so frail that if the wild duck lights on it, it snaps; when someone brushes against it, it becomes bruised and broken; every wind that blows upon it moves it to and fro. Reeds are water plants and grow to be 12 feet tall. When we are planted in the Water of the Spirit and we shoot up so fast, it can be precarious .. unless we are grounded. The winds of doctrine might blow us around, but Jesus said He would not break us. There are few things more frail or brittle, or whose existence is more in jeopardy, than a bruised reed. Now examine the smoking flax. What is it? It is a plant that is used to make linen; the thread supplies the thread for the swaddling clothes as well as the burial wrap for Jesus. When we are clothed in linen and contain just a spark of the fire of God, He will not quench it.

Weak things are described here, yet Jesus says of them, "The smoking flax I will not quench; the bruised reed I will not break." Some of God's children are made strong to do mighty works for him; God has a few mighty soldiers who have been trained, lion-like men, who attack the enemy without fear. Some are strong as Samson, pulling down the strongholds as easily as Samson pulled down the gates of Gaza. But a large number of His people are still weak. We have a pattern of growth, and the best example is in the writings of Peter. If we are adding to our faith, we are strengthened and able to battle the enemy. When we fail to add to our faith we can be taken like birds in a snare; the snare of the fowler is always there to trap the weaker birds of the air. They have a difficult time snaring eagles. The prophet teaches that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and mount up with wings as eagles. When a trial threatens, don't rush in with fear, just wait on God to renew your strength and carry you above it.

Weak as we are, and because we are so weak, we have this promise made especially to us. Here is grace and graciousness! Here is love and loving kindness! Children we are covenant children of God. The Stronger in covenant supports the weak. Glory to God! How great is His compassion to the weak, and it is made new each morning. Jesus is so gentle, tender, considerate! We need never shrink from his touch. We need never fear a harsh word from him; though he might well chide us for our weakness, he rebukes only if we refuse to obey. When the outward man (our flesh) is weak, the inward man (our Spirit) is being renewed every day. Bruised reeds shall never receive a blow from Him, and the smoking flax, He will not quench. As we are strengthened to beat our plowshears into swords, then the weak can say "I am strong." The battles are raging and there are times we must fight instead of plow. Most of our time is spent in plowing up fallow ground to plant the Infallible Seed of the Word of God into those we disciple. The same weapon of the Spirit that plows, can become a sword in which to attack the enemy. We are strong! The bruised reed is not broken and the smoking flax is not quenched, they are being made into strength by the compassion of a loving Savior.

Shalom