I’m so glad you stopped by today. Have you ever needed to be strengthened? Sure you have. We all need strength. If you haven’t read my devotion from Proverbs31Ministries, I hope you’ll take a few mintues and check it out. My prayer is you will find both encouragement and strength for today.
When I Am Weak; He Is Strong
Being a single parent when my son was young was difficult on many levels. Most of the time I felt tired and overwhelmed by all my responsibilities. There was no one to share concerns with—no one to worry with, plan with, or give a bath to my son when I needed a break.
To make matters worse, we lived on the second floor of a duplex. When my son was a baby, it was a challenge getting him, his diaper bag, and the groceries upstairs at the same time. I didn’t want to leave him in the house or the car alone so I piled on the items. Once I climbed to the top of the stairs, my next challenge was unlocking the door with my arms filled to overflowing.
My life was littered with limitations. Most days I felt like the whole world rested on my shoulders. While I tried to carry the load, I was too weak. It was crushing me, and yet, I continued to fight. I tried harder. I had to. I had to be strong. If I put down the load, who was going to pick it up?
Have you ever felt like the whole world was depending on you? I asked Jesus, “Lord, what can you do for me? I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.” Christ loves prayers like that. When your weaknesses drive you to the comforting arms of your heavenly Father.
He waits until you come to the end of yourself—your own resources—and cry out for Him.
God answered my prayer when, one day, I came across a familiar verse: “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a,) Hope awoke in my heart when I realized my situation was an avenue to experience God’s strength. I didn’t have to put on a brave face, or pretend to be made of steel. I simply needed to surrender my weaknesses to God in exchange for His strength.
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This devotion was God letting me know He cares for me. My husband was recently relocated with his company to another state. I had to give up my job of 8 years. Our house still hasn’t sold after being on the market for 4 months. I am recovering from a broken leg from last October. So far my job search in our new location hasn’t resulted in even a phone interview. I was discouraged. But God had you right this piece for me! I have been limiting God and the key verse and your devotion speak volumes to me. I keep reading it over and over! Thanks!
Thank you for the encouragement today. I am a first year teacher at a high needs school and I often feel overwhelmed. It is only through God’s strength that I make it through each day. Your blog post today is a good reminder that God’s strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Thank you for this encouragement that I so needed today.
Thank you for these encouraging words. Im a widow with 2 sons, money will ve stopping soon, Im scared, my job doesnt provide enough, bills are alot, im behind, i dont know what to do. Im scared. Thank you! Pray for us. How did youf life turn out?
This devotion is so encouraging, thank you!
Beautiful………..Thank you.
Hello Ms. Micca, my name is Nicole Hudson. After reading this, I no longer felt alone. I truly and honestly relate to this today. I believe GOD had me to read this for a reason and I DO BELIEVE THAT HE IS GOING TO HELP ME THROUGH MY WEAKNESS AND I BELIEVE IT’S GOING TO BE TODAY. I’VE PRAYPRAYED AND CRIED ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS FOR HIM TO HELP ME THROUGH MY WEAKNESS AND TO STRENGTHEN ME AND TO DAY I BELIEVE MY PRAYERS IS GOING TO BE ANSWERED. U KNOW I WEAR MY OWN SELF DOWN BY DEALING WITH MY ADULT CHILDERN AND MY GRANDSON, I AM AT MY WITS END WITH THE U DO MORE FOR THIS ONE, OR WHEN I DON’T WANT TO DO SOMETHING FOR THEM I’M WRONG ETC ETC ETC, I’M SO TIRED OF THEM AND THIER SELFISHNESS TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER, I’M SO READY TO EXPLODE, I HAVE TALKED TO ALL OF THEM CALMLY LETTING THEM KNOW WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS AND YES I BROUGHT ALL MY CHILDREN UP IN CHURCH NOW I’M BRINGING MY GRANDSON UP IN THE CHURCH, SO IT’S NOT LIKE THEY DON’T KNOW BECAUSE THEY DO, EVERY TIME I’M READY TO TALK TO THEM AND I GET MY THOUGHTS TOGETHER THE TALK DOESN’T HAPPEN. WHEN I START DOING WHAT I WANT THEY CALLING ME AND DISTURBING ME OR WANT SOMETHING HERE I GO AGAIN, I TRULY WANT TO BE DONE BEING WEAK WHEN IT COMES TO THESE GROWN KIDS AND I WANT TO STAND MY GROUNDS WITH OUT FEELING GUILTY ABOUT IT.
Sweet Nicole, It’s difficult being a mom. We want our children to be happy so we give and we give. Been there! Eventually, I had to learn I was getting in the way of God. Only He can turn my children to Him and bring about true happiness. Someone once wrote, “We need to stop telling our children about God and start talking to God about our children.”
I had to realize my child was an adult. He was responsible for his own life. And there’s nothing to feel guilty about because I’ve done my job. I had taught him and raised him to know God. Then, I got out of the way and eventually he learned to take care of himself. More importantly, he has turned to God. I’m praying for you. I hope my testimony encourages you. Ask God to give you the strength to let go. (of course I’m NOT saying turn from a real need–just those that are keeping them from growing.) God bless you!
Micca thank you for your encouraging words of truth today. My husband has been ill since 2001 and many times I have felt like you described yourself as a single parent. One day my husband was well and healthy and then an aortic aneurysm changed our lives. But God has been there. I’m learning to trust Him and lean on Him. Thank you again.
I am a Mom of three kids (10, 7, 18 months) and my husband is in the military. He works long hours and has duty nights also, which means not much help with extracurricular activities or the baby. Although people think that I have all the time in the world to get things done, my very busy toddler and my home business are also calling my time. My husband’s love language is Acts of Service and I know that he cannot function well in a disorganized and messy home. (Talk about pressure!) I am more of a “free spirit” one would say. My attention span is short and I am all over the place. I also try to have healthy food cooked for our family every night. I don’t know how I ever worked full-time! I am actually typing this will very little sleep. My toddler has been awake since 2 am and it’s now 6:15. In 15 minutes my day will start and will not stop until my head hits the pillow. I love my life, don’t get me wrong. I thank God for my husband and children every day. Even though our budget is very small, compared to what it used to be, I am so grateful that I can be home with my kids and that I get to be a homemaker. This article was a great reminder that I am not in it alone. He is my strength and his grace is sufficient, ALWAYS! Story of my life! <3 I pray for strength to get done what I need to get that day, every morning. Sometimes my busy schedule will push me to get things done instead of taking time with Him, but I am working on that! 😉
I get it, Erica! I’m also mama to three (10, 7, & 5) and well-acquainted with juggling activities, responsibilities, and my part-time teaching job around hubby’s last minute TDYs. I know how difficult it is to make new friends each PCS season. Thank you for sacrificing, for standing in the gap, so that your husband can serve our country. Hugs!! God’s got you covered. 😉
I’m having such a hard time encouraging my 18 year old daughter. I tend to see her limitations and faults instead of her strengths and beauty. Please pray in agreement with me for the Lord to radically change my heart towards my daughter.
It’s our nature that causes us to see the flaws of others. I have done the same. Yet, God often uses our flaws to draw us to Himself. Let’s believe God is working in our loved ones. He wants the best for them more than we do. I’m praying for us both today.
As a single mom of four children, I so needed to read this! For 6 years now, I have struggled to hold on to my faith and make it through each day!
Gina, I used to be a single mom. I know how difficult it came be. The good news is God hasn’t left you to carry the load yourself. I learned to do what I could and trust God with the other by casting my cares and burdens on Him. He longs to strengthen you. Ask Him for it each day.
Lord help me is my constant prayer. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning. But like this morning God rescued me by sending You. In for this I say thank you. One day at a time my daughter is what He told me this morning thru your reading. Thank you in God bless you! I have the strength to fight another day.
This was a huge blessing to me today and a great reminder of Gods power
Thanks for the kick ball anology to god’s power working in us. I also love the biblical principle that HE works greatest in me when I’m the most weak. Blessings sister , and may father be glorified by your writings. ♡♡
Thank you for sharing your heart!! I feel that burden & I was encouraged by what you shared.
This is exactly what I needed this morning!
Thanks!
O thank you so much Micca . Your message of encouragement has come at a good time for me just when I needed it. I was feeling so stressed this morning as though God wasn’t on my side and I was afraid. Thinking He wouldn’t help me. But God was helping me looking at things that happened when I took my dog out , I met people who lifted my spirits also there were coincidents that happened just because I went a different way even though I wasn’t really happy about it.So many good things happened on that new journey.Then when I got home I was looking on my I pad and came across your blog . That is when I was reassured that God was on my side and made these good things happen like He was being strong for me.Thank you again.Janet xx
Thank you for sharing this testimony!
I read your devotion on the Proverbs 31 site and just wanted you to know how your prayer at the end of the devotion perfectly echoed my deepest heart. Thank you
Thanks Micca, just what I needed to hear today and quite honestly to keep reminding myself of. We have alot going on in our family with a recent move, special needs son, rocky marriage, rockier finances, etc. These are some of my favorite scriptures and I’m committed to writing them down and keeping them with me daily as my “stop worrying” nudges.
Thank you and be Blessed.
Sherryl
This was my first time visiting with you on your blog. Every morning I read my daily devotion from gateway it’s sent to my phone. This morning I was reading it and you was the writer of my devotional and it was good and I want to read your blog and I really needed to read it.. I was just asking GOD for strength for me my son had gotten sick Sunday night at work. I’m a single parent also I have to work and can’t afford to miss work I thank god for my mother still here for me and my kids and your story.
Welcome to my blog, Terra! I’m so glad you stopped by. Remember our weakness is an avenue for God’s power to work in and through us. Keep asking for His strength. It’s always available for our everyday tasks.
This is beautiful and so encouraging. I really enjoyed your devotion from Proverbs 31 ministries today so I came over to your blog! Thank you for the reminder that God is our strength and very present help in times of trouble!
Micca I really enjoyed this , I also feel overwhelmed with the struggles of life , thank you for reminding me that our God is definitely capable to help in our times of trouble . we just need to call on Him and believe that he can and will help us . I will be mindful if this the next time I feel hopeless and not strong enough , know that Our God IS strong enough
Thank you Micca. Am going through a bump in the marriage road. Your words remind me that He is my strength and that I need to stop trying to figure it out and trust Him.
I was a single parent of 5 in a new country. No family, No friends, yet God saw me through those difficult days. HE gave me the strength to carry on and HIS blessed HOLY SPIRIT guided me every step of the way.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and caring for others going through similar struggles. I wish I had know the LORD the way I know and trust HIM now, everything would have been so much easier.
Have a blessed day!
Praying you connect with others soon! And thank you for your testimony
Thank you for your devotional today on Proverbs 31 today. It was exactly what I needed to read. I look forward to reading your book and following your blog.
Thank you for the reminder that God is so much bigger than we often think of him as being. We tend to put human limits on His mighty power and strength. I’m so grateful for any reminder that God is powerful and wants us to go to Him for help! He’s just waiting to do wonders in our lives, and all we have to do is faithfully believe that when we ask, He will answer!
Both your blog post today and Proverbs 31 ministries devotion are exactly what I need. I am a CPA trying to get through tax season and am dealing with a bit of anxiety. I need God to help me stay calm and focused both at work and at home! You have reminded me that God is already helping me more than I realized.
Thank you for the reminder that God is our strength,the very help that we need. He is our provider.All glory to God be given.
This is an area I’m always struggling with! Great reminder.
I am thankful for this reminder. I have been feeling overwhelmed in my homemaking and mothering. I can’t do it in my strength alone and that is exactly where Jesus can shine through.
I loved your story today. A great reminder ofGod’s strength and power which he so freely gives to us. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you for this encouragement. As I read your devotion, it is what I need at the moment, God’s power at work in the situation of my life especially in my love ones. His strength is there when I am weak.
The timing of this message is so perfect for me. I am working on overcoming some long-held fears and seeking to follow God’s leading and will for me. Thank you for the encouraging reminder that God already knows my doubts and fears, I just need to rely on His power in me.
Thanks for the word this morning, I am learning to completely surrender to God , knowing that He is more than able as I journey through life and not depend on my own abilities.
I’m there, Micca. I’m trying so hard to accept limitations that didn’t used to be there. I miss the person I once was pre-life’s hardships, pre-autoimmune disease and depression. She was vibrant, a runner, played sports with her kids, had active friendships and was social. I miss her so much. I feel weaker and weaker and can’t imagine how I’m useful to God to further his kingdom. But at the same time, I know this is all his plan and he doesn’t make mistakes, so I’m choosing today to trust him. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Dear Paige, first, know I’m praying for you today. Secondly, you know you’re faith is growing when you can say as you have, “I didn’t plan this. I don’t understand it. I don’t even like it. But I choose to trust You anyway.” Keep trusting, my friend. God is faithful!
I definitely hear you! I was an unemployed single mom of 2 for awhile; it was a struggle.
I need God to help me not rely on myself so much; but turn to Him always!
I saw your devotion at Proverbs 31 and wanted to check out your blog. Oftentimes I feel so limited, but your devotion reminded me to dream again. We are doing a series on “A Fully Funded Life” at our church and this week’s lesson is on plans, dreams and hopes. I realized I haven’t dreamed in a long time–time to let God bring back those dreams I had when I was younger! Thank you for the encouragement!!
I am weak. God is strong. That will be enough for me this day.
I agree with Alison….such a beautiful reminder of God’s love and concern for us! I have been ‘loaded down with care’ the past several years….caring for an ailing, ageing Mother whom I love dearly….yet she can be quite ‘challenging’….caring for 2 small grandchildren, (until last summer) which made getting up in the mornings worth while, yet as you know, young children require so much, and I have to admit, by days end, I was bone tired….all the while, dealing with health issues of my own, which makes it all the more difficult meet the demands of life….many has been the times I’ve been ‘driven to my knees’, even if on the go, crying out to God for help and strength! God answered my prayers in a way I least expected….my dear sister moved close by last month and is helping me care for our Mother! He works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform! My children moved away and even tho I miss those grandchildren more than I ever dreamed I would, God worked it out so that their Mother can be a stay at home wife and mother, which is wonderful….now my sister is taking most of the responsibility of our Mother….I still have my health issues, but oh how my load has lifted!! His grace is more than sufficient!!
Thanks for the encouraging words. I really needed it today. Right now I am going through a rough time with pain, I have a chronic condition that makes me have pain everyday, and my husband has a lot of challenges with Parkinson’s. So your devotion really spoke to my heart. Please pray for us to have the strength to get through each day. Thanks again and God bless you!
“I simply needed to surrender my weaknesses to God in exchange for His strength.”
Thank you, Micca….. thank you! Would love to win this book of yours!
The Lord has been speaking this verse to me for the last two weeks from various places. Right now I am really sick, but I KNOW that the Lord will give me His strength. I have speaking engagements and my son’s destination wedding coming up. Thank you so much for allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through you.
The Lord first spoke this to me when I was a young mom living in the African bush. God brought us home, because of my illness and then He continued to pour out His blessings on us and through us. He is Lord!
Thank you for the encouragement. It is so easy to forget that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world.
Thank you!
Thank you for this words. Today is one of this days that I need to listen in God’s word.
Thank you, Micca and the rest of you who shared your thoughts. Like all of you, I needed to hear a Word from God and this was it! Perhaps I could ask you all to include me in your prayers as I’ll pray for you. I’ve been separated x3yrs, spouse has BiPolar II Disorder, spent all our $ in a restaurant which the bank now owns, my business will be handed over to the bank this week which was my source of income, we will lose the house in a few months where I live with my 17yo son And 15yo handicapped daughter(she has Cornelia deLange Syndrome), I want to move from York to Lancaster, PA where I have family. My parents house is too small to accommodate us along with Katie’s equipment: wheelchair, stander, shower chair. Today, you reminded me that God is greater than these problems. I am moving forward holding my Father’s hand with white knuckles!! but I am still scared at the same time. Thank you all for listening
Thank you for allowing us and letting us know how we can pray for you sister. You are in my prayers.
What a beautiful analogy! Not only did you believe your husband would use his strength to help you, you were comforted by the unquestioning love and compassion he displayed. Thank you for such a vivid image of how God longs to use His strength on our behalf if we will just step aside.
I would love to read your book
Miss Micca..Loved your post on Prov 31 and your blog today…Just what My Abba ordered..Loved, loved .loved your” instead of doubting what I think God can’t or won’t do, I’ve started believing in what He can do! ” Been doing a lot of that lately thinking I could figure it out better..but I finally came to the “end” of myself and surrendered..such a comfort that others are in the same “boat”…Love you my sister Blessings to you and yours today…Keep encouraging..we’re reading..
Thank you for sharing this testimony, Carmen! Blessing to you as well!
Thanks for the reminder that God is bigger than any burden, and the promise of power available to us. Believe it, grasp it, and use it!!
It’s so tempting to keep believing our culture’s messages of supreme self-reliance. Thank you for the verses and reminder to surrender it all to Him.
Thank you for sharing your testimony. I needed to hear this, especially after having a rough time with my oldest son (7 y/o). I just can’t seem tof break free from this pride and anger. I’m a mom of 5 young children (3 mos. old, 2, 4, almost 6 and 7 y/o’s). Parenting is full of challenges. Oftentimes, it’s overwhelming. My husband does a very good job at training and disciplining our kids but when he’s athe work, I’m in charge and most of the time, things go from bad to worse. I need to fully surrender to God all of me and to let Him be LORD of my life. To obey right away, just like I tell my own children.
OH my God is Good. I’ve been fighting with these feelings and I’m at the point where I’ve been doubting that God was here listening to me. Thank you. It is said that only those who feel it know it best. Just sharing that made me feel like there is hope in the midst of my situation and that God is truly able.
Thank you for your Proverbs 31 Devotional today. As a mother of five, I have always been there for my family. However, due to complications from surgery for cancer, I have been left weak and disabled. Since January 2, I have had three friends die. Two from cancer, and one from the same disability as mine. I admit that has put me into a tailspin of self-pity and worry. Two things that I have tried to avoid because I have always been in control (or so I thought). After reading your devotional though, I believe that God is using my weaknesses to show my family, friends, and I what He can do for my health and my life. It has renewed my hope that God can use me and my weaknesses as a witness for Him. Thank you so much for the encouragement!
Thank you! This post has helped me more than you know. I am a single parent for the second time in my life and its been not only a financial struggle but emotionally draining. I struggle giving everything over to the Lord and believing He will get me through this.. But I am learning, can you give me some advice on how to learn to lean on the Lord More..
Your encouragement will help so many. I loved reading the testimonies and it helps me with my burden. My son, grandson and granddaughter are all not walking with the Lord and facing many trials and think I can give them money. I dont give money but reassure them that I love them. My son has been growing drugs and selling them and now on a suspended sentence and. I trust God for them and the Prayer of Release by Roy Lessin is a great comfort to me. God can reach them where I cant.
God Bless You and your wonderful ministry.
Lve Lyn
I love that God invites us, almost commands us, to come to Him when we are weary. And who isn’t weary, if not with raising little kids, struggling with a difficult marriage, fretting about the mess that is this world? I know I am. And yet He invites me to come and rest with Him. Amen and amen!
This morning as I was pouring my heart out to God concerning the weakness I am feeling in a seemingly impossible situation, I felt Him impressing upon my heart, “when you are weak, I am strong.” It was almost as if, He was speaking life and courage to my weary soul, but I was hesitant to receive Him.
Coming here and finding these words feels like confirmation to what I was hearing this morning. Thank you, Micca. Your words are like gold to me today.
Blessings to you!
I would love to read this book, I love the verse you quoted “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a,)”. there is so much strength to be found in His word. It’s refreshing and uplifting!
I am a mother of 4 children. We have all seen our share of ups and downs. Your devotion today has reminded me that it is through His strength that we can get through it all. I don’t always understand His timing, but I do understand that He is a God that has my best interests at heart. Thank you for you devotion today.
Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a wonderful way. My brother sent this to me know the burden I am going through and txt God is able to do exceedingly more than I can hope for.
Blessings to your ministry.
As a single mom for the last 14 years, I can relate all too well. My now 20 year old son was hospitalized Dec. 27 for suicidal ideations – this was his 5th time. I was just told last Friday that my job is going to be eliminated. At 57, most women would feel that they will never get another job. But I know God is up to something- something good in my life. He will do immeasurably more than I can date to dream. He has always come through before and through all the trials of the past, I have learned to trust Him completely. I am excited to see what He will do.
Micca, this was a profound message. Many times we get so bogged down until we feel hopeless, but all we need to do is call out to God. He’s always there.
I’m going through a rough time in my life. I’m learning to lean more on the Lord. I’m thankful that one day my son will return to Jesus. I have been going through a depression, but you just gave me hope. Thank you
In this season of my life I’m crying out to God for His strength to be made perfect in my weakness. Your devotional in Proverbs 31 and today’s blog really touched my heart that I am not alone in these feelings. I’m asking God to show up in my life in a real and tangible way.
Thank you for sharing your heart! God’s timing because I needed encouragement. I am thankful to be a stay at home mom of 2 boys (7,3). I stay up late researching natural lifestyle because our 3 yr old has cystic fibrosis. He’s healthy, praise God, but im always trying to stay 10 steps ahead, and my latest battle is changing his picky eating style. My husband was relocated to another state for work and I’m here by myself with both boys until our oldest finishes the school year. I’m exhausted and am grateful for your words.
Thank you Micca for your encouraging words. I have so much coming at me from so many directions. Life can be so overwhelming. I know I need to turn everything over to the Lord and let go but I just can’t seem to do so. I keep trying to find ways to make things work. I feel like a person caught in a rip tide, fighting trying to make things work when I should just surrender. God Bless you.
Thank you for your encouragement and beautiful words! God Bless You!
Thank you for your encouraging words! For weeks I have been struggling to let go. Many times through reading devotionals, my own quiet times, several sermons (even one from my own husband)I have heard this message. But until now I have been too stubborn and prideful to get it. I love the way you wrote “I don’t know how much longer I can hold on. Christ loves prayers like that. When your weaknesses drive you to the comforting arms of your Heavenly Father.” I got it! Finally! Thank you Lord for giving Micca these words to break through my stubbornness and pride!