What to Do When We Feel Weak

Doing God's will is not an easy task for most of us.  We are so bound up in the drives of our physical existence and the issues of this world that we too often forget God.  When we forget God our actions are made from our own will.  But, even when are are of the right mind and seeking guidance from God, we often feel that our ability to do what God is asking of us is difficult and even impossible.  We may feel weak even when being guided by God. How do we deal with this weakness we seem to have?


Here is the advice from Elder Macarius about this question:

Let this weakness be a source of humility, Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak! (Ps 6:2).  Resolutely steer the right course and hope for the best.  Search the most hidden meanders of the dark labyrinths that surround the luminoous core of your heart.  And uproot pride wherever you find the weed.

Do you see how he turns this problem into an opportunity. To admit our weakness and seek God's help requires our humility.  This leads us to a realization of our need for His help.  In reality we cannot carry out God's will with out this kind of surrender and with His grace.


The Elder says,

Alone, you were weak indeed, but with God's help you are mighty and strong. Steeling your own will to do His, humbly throw yourself on His mercy.  If you do so, my prayers will be of the greatest help to you.

Reference: Russian Letters of Spiritual Direction, p 66