An all-round ministry by CH Spurgeon (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 7 (Strength in weakness).
This week we finish
Firstly Spurgeon looks at how it is a depressing experience when we are seriously weak. These experiences can come because:
(i) of an oppressive sense of responsibility;
(ii) of a sense of utter unfitness for being ministers at all by reason of our own sinfulness;
(iii) our sphere of labour seems specially difficult;
(iv) we are quite alone as to the helpful fellowship of kindred spirits;
(v) of reproach that comes undeservedly.
Secondly we see that being weak is a blessed experience because:
(i) we are sure to flee to God for succour and help;
(ii) we gain our strength by prayer and our weakness is our best argument in supplication;
(iii) when we preach in conscious weakness, it adds a wonderful force to the words we utter;
(iv) our sympathy is educated;
(v) we love the particular place in which we are called to labour;
(vi) often a man's sense of weakness arouses the whole of him;
(vii) the sacrifice is being consummated.
Last week I found helpful Spurgeon's comment that feeling loaded down is good.
This week Spurgeon warns us not to overdo it: 'Do not take an exaggerated view of what the Lord expects of you. He will not blame you for not doing that which is beyond your mental power or physical strength. You are required to be faithful, but you are not bound to be successful. You are to teach, but you cannot compel people to learn. You are to make things plain, but you cannot give carnal men an understanding of spiritual things. We are not the Father, nor the Savior, nor the Comforter of the Church. We cannot take the responsibility of the universe upon our shoulders. While vexing ourselves with fancied obligations, we may overlook our real burdens.'
If you're feeling weak, maybe it's because you're trying to do what is not required of you...
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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