God is the God of the Weak

Introduction

His Holiness Pope Shenouda speaks about a fundamental spiritual truth: that God is the God of the weak and the poor, and this is His constant way of dealing with people.

Main idea

The Pope emphasizes that human weakness is not a shameful defect, but a state that attracts God’s mercy and power. Whoever feels his weakness and turns to God finds help and grace with Him, while the arrogant and proud receive God’s judgment.

Biblical and historical evidence

The Pope refers to biblical stories: Moses the meek, Joseph the poor, Jacob afraid of Esau, David before Saul and Goliath, and the case of the weak woman whom Christ stood by, to show the consistent principle that God stands with the weak.

Spiritual and practical application

The Pope calls the believer to confess his weakness before God honestly, not to pretend strength, because confessing weakness opens the door to receive God’s power and daily grace. Prayer, humility, and seeking God’s help are the ways that turn weakness into spiritual strength.

Warning and encouragement

He warns against pride and reliance on self-strength which leads to downfall, and encourages steadfastness and a humble heart as a continual spiritual state; for God chooses vessels of weakness to reveal His glory in them.

Spiritual conclusion

Weakness is an opportunity for grace: whoever recognizes his weakness and asks God’s help receives practical divine strength, and becomes stronger not by his own strength but by God’s power working in him.

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