Incompetence at its Finest

Someone once told me we see God with utmost clarity when we are at our lowest point. To which I’ve always said ‘Thank God’.

Thank You, Lord, for showing up, especially when we need You most.

But the stubborn bone in me has always tried to prove that’s not the only time we can see Him vividly.

To no avail.

When I lost my child, I plummeted hard. When I laid flat in the sea of grief, He wrapped His loving arms around me like a life preserver. When I would convince myself it was all my fault, He would wipe my eyes and let me see the writing on the wall being erased. And when I finally found my footing and thanked Him for getting me there. For saving me, He said as clear as crystal:

It doesn’t have to end.
Our time together.
I’m willing to save you every day.

And I’m starting to understand what He meant. I’m starting to realize what was causing me from having this close relationship before. I’m starting to see He’s there in the high points, dry points, plateau points, too.

So, what holds us back from seeing His redeeming love, overwhelming grace, and unjustified mercy most vividly?

Adam, Eve, Noah, Moses, Jonah, Esther, Rahab, and especially David provided clues. Jesus gave us the key. Peter finally figured it out after he did the unthinkable. Saul learned it the hard way, too, and then while living it out as Paul, shared the secret with us.

Have you figured it out?

I’ve read about these men and women of faith for years and missed it all this time. And to think, it was the faith part that made me blind to reality.

Friends, it’s not how big your faith is that makes you see Him clearly. It’s your realization of how much you need Him that brings His love, grace, and mercy into view.

Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best
in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses,
so that the power of Christ can work through me.
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the
insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT

I’ve lived my life like I have had something to prove. Almost as if I was trying to show I was worth the debt Jesus paid for me. When the truth of it is, none of us are.

Fact is, I’m entirely incapable of living the life God has willed for me alone.

I’m not made to be self-sufficient. My brain is not wired to have all the answers. Being flawless is impossible for me. I’m soiled in sin. Saturated with doubt. And can easily become lost in the blur of choices.

Friends, I’m a prime example of how capable God is to make something out of nothing. His grace upon my life shines brightly among my dirty imperfections.

I’m designed to be incompetent. Like a child. And it’s about time I accept it. Because when I do, I receive the solution and see Him in ways I could never imagine on my own.

And that, I’m finding is the secret. It’s as simple as accepting yourself for what you are. Standing in front of Him every day saying plainly, “Here I am, Lord. Here’s all of me. I’ve got nothing to offer, but that’s nothing Your grace can’t fix…With You, the possibilities are endless. Work Your wonder.”

Do we really have something to prove as Christians? Nah. We have something to give.

Our weakness shows His power.
Our troubles show His redeeming grace.

So accept yourself for what you are
and take the handout of grace He freely gives.
Then, share it for His glory.

Yes. I’m a mess without Him. I’m nothing spectacular by myself. And I’d have it no other way.

Father, I humbly take You up on Your offer.
Thank You for making something out of nothing in me.
Every day.

Now I’m simply waiting for someone to tell me. Say to me we see God most vividly when we are at our lowest point. So I can agree with them and say, “Oh yes. That’s why I bend low every day….”

How about you, friend? Have you learned this lesson yet? Do you see God in your everyday? What does He look like to you? I’d love to hear.

Thanks for sharing your time with me.

Simply striving,

Nikki

NOTE: This is part of my Back-to-the-Basics Redemption series. You may find other posts HERE.

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