The Gift of Powerlessness
The other day a situation turned up in my life that churned my stomach and sent a wave of fear coursing through my entire body. Immediately I looked for a solution. There must be one, but in that moment I couldn’t see it. I felt powerless.
That experience took me back to a day in my childhood when my mother was upset with me for something I had done. She ran to the back door, pushed it open, and then stepped onto the porch where I couldn’t see her.
“Mommy, Mommy,” I called. “I’m sorry. Come back.”
Of course she did and with a big smile on her face. “Just teasing,” she said.
I’m sure she meant it, but at the time, I wasn’t sure.
I broke out crying and she pulled me in to her comforting arms. I don’t remember what I had done to provoke such a strong response on her part. I only recall the feeling of terror at the thought of being abandoned.
I felt completely powerless. It made such an impact on me that I spent the rest of my growing up years believing that I was powerless over any adult who claimed to have authority over me.
As I matured and learned more about myself in relation to others, I realized that no one had authority over me but the God of my understanding. Powerlessness was now something I could release to God, who would never leave nor forsake me. I began to look at powerlessness in a new way–as a gift, for when I am weak, I am strong by the power of God. And the answers I need are there for the asking.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
How as the power of the God of your understanding equipped you in a time of fear or worry or powerlessness?
Karen your writing today really hit home for me. What a wonderful feeling it is to know that when fears emerge that God has His arms wide open to embrace and comfort me. I love that He promises to never leave us or forsake us. That is amazing because I have experienced a wave of peace and calm wash over me during scary times as long as I cry out to the Lord.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
This quote from the scriptures gives me strength when I feel scared. Thank you for your transparency. what a beautiful writing.
Thank you, Sandy. I appreciate hearing your perspective.
I was also moved back into childhood and the absolute power of adults and those in authority. In my teens I was taken advantage of by an art teacher who could “feel” my naivety and used it as a tool of opportunity. I spent many years lamenting my innocence and wishing I had known better but after giving this situation over to God and allowing Him to sort it out and take away my feelings of blame and shame, I could see that He had been protecting me in many ways, even my innocence, though taken in the natural, He returned through His loving Holy Spirit. There is always a blessing in the lesson/
Thanks for sharing this very personal experience. I agree that every challenge holds a blessing.
Thank you, Karen
There have been many times I have felt powerless. But one looms strongly in my memory. I didn’t know up from down or which way yo turn. I was literally on my knees crying….dear God help me.
It was a complete feeling of peace.
The bible quote is oh so true.
Thanks, Joan. What a touching experience. I appreciate your sharing it.
Oh MY ~ this could not have come at a better time! As you, Karen, know about my walking problem and the great danger I have in falling unless I have both hands on my walker when I walk and there are times when I have to lean on things and use both hands for other things and this morning I was in that position and KNEW I was going to fall and of course I am always asking
God to help me. As I became frantic this morning when my body seemed to definitely fall, I begged God to help me and all at once the my Dad’s favorite hymn came to my mind so I began saying these words: ” His eye is on the Sparrow and I know He watches me.” Sure enough my legs became steady and I was balanced enough to continue what I had to do. I am so thankful I know I can always call on God~yes~I realize many do not believe in these things but I am proof that it does help and if not, there is a reason for that too. Love you.
Wow, Margaret, what a wonderful blessing at just the right time. I’m so glad you made it safely through that challenge.
So good, Karen. I wish I could pick one. ha ha. My powerlessness gets realized every day and turning it to God is my only option. So many of our responses as adults come from those “decisions” we make as little girls and keep living them into adulthood as if we actually have some control over our lives!! 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 is my favorite as Christ’s power can only be made “perfect” in us when we admit to our weakness and then partner with him. HIS power is made perfect in us at that moment.
Yes, Heidi. I rely on God’s power every day because I’m never able to do anything on my own. Thanks for your words.