Scripture is full of examples of God displaying His strength through human weakness. Moses was sure he was the wrong person to lead Israel-he was a stutterer after all! But God used his weakness and equipped Him powerfully for the task. Or young David, armed with a sling and a stone courageously faced down the bigger, stronger Goliath. The book of Judges repeatedly highlights the Lord raising up flawed, seemingly weak people to achieve His purposes and save His people.
The church in Philadelphia and Laodicea stood as opposites to one another. Though small in number and socially marginalized, the faithful Christians in Philadelphia obeyed God’s Word despite their limitations. Jesus consequently encouraged them, “I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:8). Limitations posed no barrier to the advance of God’s Kingdom when His people trusted completely in His power rather than personal capabilities.
In contrast, the church at Laodicea felt fully resourced to pursue prosperity in their own strength. “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing” they proudly declared (Revelation 3:17). Tragically, genuine spiritual riches remained out of reach for these self-reliant Christians. In God’s economy, self-perceived wealth coupled with self-sufficiency equals abject spiritual poverty.
Like the Laodiceans, contemporary culture lauds the self-made, independent go-getter forging their own destiny through vision, passion and determination alone. But Christ calls His people to a radically counter-cultural confidence in God’s strength over human striving. Where do you feel weak or limited today? Take heart! God specializes in gloriously triumphing through our insufficiency, not might. Ask Him to open doors and display His power in those very areas. Step forward in faith, trusting His Spirit who empowers us far beyond human capacity alone.