Day 5 - How God Displays Strength Through Weakness
- Pastor b.Side
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
"He raises the poor from the dust [and] lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set [them] among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD's, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail.” - 1 Samuel 2:8-9
The full counsel of Scripture teaches that God uses unique power and ability to fulfill His promises. 1 Samuel 2:8-9 is an excerpt from a prayer by a woman named Hannah who greatly benefited from the Almighty God. Hannah was barren for many years and cried out desperately to the LORD for a child. God opened her womb, and she became the mother of Samuel, the priest and prophet. 1 Samuel Chapter 2 details her response to God’s blessing.
“He raises the poor from the dust [and] lifts the beggar…”
How will God demonstrate His power? God aims to uplift those who are despised and rejected by society, placing them in positions of influence. He desires to transform lives in ways beyond human ability and resources. God uses His power to give value to those considered worthless by worldly standards. Hannah was seen as worthless in her culture because she was barren. God changed her life by doing for her what no one else could.
“To set [them] among princes and make them inherit the throne…”
God raises the poor and lifts up beggars to grant them a glorious inheritance. In other words, God desires to exalt those who humble themselves before Him, placing their faith in His power rather than their own. Hannah trusted in God’s testimony according to His Word, humbled herself before Him, and relied on Him to fulfill her purpose in life as a mother. God can perform these kinds of miracles because the pillars of the earth belong to Him. He created all things and continues to wield that power to maintain control over everything. God is present everywhere, all at once, at all times, ensuring the proper operation of all things according to His will and purpose. Hannah was able to conceive and give birth to a son because the One who created and governs all things enabled her to do so. Who else possesses such power that extends from the heavens to the earth in every place, at all times?
“For by strength no man shall prevail…”
Why did God specifically respond to Hannah’s prayer? He was addressing larger spiritual issues among His people and would use Samuel to help correct those problems. The miraculous birth of Samuel showed that God was the one empowering his life for purposes beyond human ability. Ultimately, He used Samuel to choose and anoint King David, marking an important milestone in God’s plan to fulfill His eternal promises. This reveals a key truth about God’s power: He uses His heavenly power to uplift His faithful and humble servants worldwide through extraordinary work to fulfill His everlasting promises, often using unlikely individuals as His instruments.
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for revealing how You use Your power. Forgive us for expecting You to use Your power to satisfy selfish ambitions. Use Your power to glorify Yourself in how You work through us to fulfill Your eternally unconditional covenants. Thank You for allowing us to serve You despite our condition. Thank You for adding value to our lives, where there would otherwise be none. Help us to be content and grateful as You choose to manifest Your power through us in extraordinary ways, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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