Mind Meld of A Different Kind

Proverbs 24:10

“If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.”

It does not take much common sense to recognize the validity of this verse of Scripture. Failure under pressure demonstrates a lack of strength. Even though this is so obvious, I continue to struggle with how I respond to my failures.

I treat failure with a renewed sense to try harder next time. I fall into the trap of thinking if I only work longer, try harder, and do more I will be successful next time. There is some wisdom in this approach, especially if my failing is due to a lack of preparation, but often trying harder just results in deeper depression when failure hits again.

I was reading in Romans last week. Paul states in 9:16 “So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.” (NLT) The NIV phrases it, “It does not therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Obviously in the context of Romans 9 this is referring to salvation, but I think most of Christian life can be summed up in this philosophy.

Working longer, trying harder, and putting forth more effort will only take me so far. The real victory is totally dependent on God’s mercy. If I want to walk and not faint, run and not grow weary, and soar on the wings of eagles I will need to experience God’s mercy in continuous waves.

When I fail, it was spiritual strength that was too small. My own strength, even if super-human, is not enough. I need the strength of God to withstand temptation, overcome sin, and stand firm under pressure. My commitment should not be to try harder, but to pray for more of God’s mercy and strength.

Father of mercy and strength, I am slowly learning how dependent I really am on your strength. I desire to go further than my strength will take me and to stand up under pressure that would crush my own strength. I ask for your mercy to flood over me today and your strength to help me stand victoriously over every temptation and pressure I encounter. Thank you for your mercy which is new every morning. - Dan Jones