Title
POWERLESS 无力
Date
08/31/2025
Description
Matthew 9:36: When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus' heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd.
馬 太 福 音 9:36: 他 看 见 许 多 的 人 ， 就 怜 悯 他 们 ； 因 为 他 们 困 苦 流 离 ， 如 同 羊 没 有 牧 人 一 般
Matt 5:3: Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
馬 太 福 音 5:3: 虚 心 的 人 有 福 了 ！ 因 为 天 国 是 他 们 的 。(page 1563)
1 Cor 10:12-13: Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.
歌 林 多 前 書 10:12,13: 因此，那些自认为站稳脚根的人要谨防跌倒。 你们所受到的诱惑与所有人类受到的是一样的。但是上帝是可信的。他不会让你们受到你们无法承受的诱惑，而是在你们受到诱惑时，给你们提供一条出路，好让你们抵住诱惑。pg 1859
Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
诗篇 46:1: 上帝是我们的避难所，是我们的力量，是我们患难中随时的帮助。( page 926)
Isaiah 57:18-19: I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people.
以赛亚书 57:18,19: "我看见了他们的所作所为，但我还是要医治他们，引领他们，使他们和那些哀伤的人得安慰， 使他们开口赞美。愿远近各方的人都得到平安！我要医治他们。这是耶和华说的。" (page1208)
馬 太 福 音 9:36: 他 看 见 许 多 的 人 ， 就 怜 悯 他 们 ； 因 为 他 们 困 苦 流 离 ， 如 同 羊 没 有 牧 人 一 般
Matt 5:3: Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
馬 太 福 音 5:3: 虚 心 的 人 有 福 了 ！ 因 为 天 国 是 他 们 的 。(page 1563)
1 Cor 10:12-13: Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.
歌 林 多 前 書 10:12,13: 因此，那些自认为站稳脚根的人要谨防跌倒。 你们所受到的诱惑与所有人类受到的是一样的。但是上帝是可信的。他不会让你们受到你们无法承受的诱惑，而是在你们受到诱惑时，给你们提供一条出路，好让你们抵住诱惑。pg 1859
Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
诗篇 46:1: 上帝是我们的避难所，是我们的力量，是我们患难中随时的帮助。( page 926)
Isaiah 57:18-19: I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people.
以赛亚书 57:18,19: "我看见了他们的所作所为，但我还是要医治他们，引领他们，使他们和那些哀伤的人得安慰， 使他们开口赞美。愿远近各方的人都得到平安！我要医治他们。这是耶和华说的。" (page1208)
Creator
Pastor: Mike Koger
Contributor
Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
Transcription
Powerlessness: Finding God's Strength in Our Weakness
Matthew 9:35-38
"When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus' heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd."
I've shared with you before about some of my simple prayers that received immediate answers: "Lord, I need a ride." "Lord, I am out of ideas. If you want me to see that church..."
What do these prayers have in common?
They were born from a place of helplessness—moments when I recognized my own limitations and surrendered to God's power.
Do you ever find yourself in a state of powerlessness over a certain situation?
Perhaps you're facing something that feels completely beyond your control.
Some challenges might seem small—like those I mentioned—but maybe yours is life-threatening...for you, or someone you love.
It's often difficult for believers to admit their own struggles. We can be powerless over destructive habits or behavior patterns in our lives—or watch helplessly as someone we love battles their own demons.
In twelve-step recovery programs, the first step acknowledges: "We admitted we were powerless over __________ - and that our lives had become unmanageable."
When we find ourselves in an unmanageable situation, we stand at a crossroads: Do we give up—throw in the towel—or do we decide that we need help, and that maybe—just maybe—finding that help is actually possible?
Jesus said: "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." (Matt 5:3)
MSG: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."
Can we humble ourselves enough today to admit, "I am powerless (in my own ability) to control my own tendency to do the wrong thing—and my life is unmanageable?"
Your first thought might be, "Sure, I'm not perfect, but I'm not struggling like others are."
Yet it doesn't take much reflection to realize everyone has their own set of struggles.
If you can't identify one area of struggle in your life right now, maybe God has positioned you to be that one who can stand strong for the rest of us.
Use this message (today) to build your faith so you can stand in the gap and believe for others.
1 Cor 10:12-13 reminds us: "Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."
The truth is, we ALL struggle with something. We all need help in some area of our lives. Matthew 5:3 (TPT) declares: "What happiness comes to you when you feel your spiritual poverty! For yours is the realm of heaven's kingdom."
Part of our human nature is to refuse change until our pain exceeds our fear of changing. We deny our struggles until they become so overwhelming that we're finally crushed into realizing we need help.
? Why don't we save ourselves the misery and admit now what we're inevitably going to have to admit later?
When we try to fix our problems ourselves, we often only make things worse.
When we deny our humanity, our need for a new nature, and our total reliance on Christ—when we attempt to be the center of our own universe—we're playing God, and we always end up doing a poor imitation.
We try to control our image—telling people we're fine when inside we're torn apart. We try to fix ourselves and our problems until they're so big and out of control that we finally have no choice but to reach out for help.
We do everything we can to control our pain—whether by avoiding it, denying it, reducing it, or postponing it. But there's always ultimately that moment of truth when we can no longer deny reality... when we finally admit, "I am powerless in my own ability, and my life is unmanageable." In essence, we're admitting, "I am not God."
Psalm 145:8-9 tells us: "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
When Jesus walked this earth, He demonstrated that compassion.
Our Scripture says, "When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
The people around Jesus probably had no idea just how broken their lives really were. We need to understand God's heart toward us and how He longs to heal our brokenness.
Jesus lamented, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me."
Isaiah 57:18-19 offers these beautiful promises: "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people."
Notice the five promises God extends:
If you are hurt, God says, "I will heal you."
If you're confused, God says, "I will lead you."
If you feel helpless, God says, "I will help you."
If you feel alone, God says, "I will comfort you."
If you feel anxious and afraid, God says, "I will offer peace to you."
"Trusting in His promises, we find hope for a better future—a life of freedom, peace, and happiness."
We desperately need God because our lives are unmanageable without Him.
We'll be forced to learn that lesson someday. We may as well admit it now.
Are there still issues you struggle with? If you answered "yes," you know without a doubt that you're a citizen of the human race.
The Bible tells us clearly we were born with a sin nature—a carnal mind. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives can we rise beyond this.
Colossians 3:10 instructs us: "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."
This reveals two important truths: It is a choice—and it is a progressive change.
We can't do it without the Power of Christ in us.
Spurgeon wisely noted: "You may invite men to listen to your message, but you are only inviting them to gaze upon an empty table unless Christ is the very center and substance of all that you set before them."
Psalm 62:5 reminds us: "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him."
We need new hope sometimes—and we need the House of God to pick us up and help us find the restoration that we will never find anywhere else.
• What needs changing in your life?
What hurt, hang-up, or habit have you been trying to ignore?
Choosing to admit that you can't do it alone and that you need God is the first and hardest choice.
It's humbling to say, "I have a problem and I need help." It means acknowledging, "I'm not God, and I don't have it together as I'd like everybody to think."
But that is truly the beginning of healing. It is the road to victory.
Jesus warned about the alternative: "For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them."
It's time to ask God for the help we need.
Do you recognize that God's grace offers real solutions to overcoming ourselves?
Psalm 46:1 assures us: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
(Publishers Clearinghouse) What if the Grand Prize was going to be delivered to your door?
Jesus stands at the door of your heart today with the true answers you are seeking.
John 16:24 promises: "Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
Matthew 18:19-20 reminds us of the power of agreement: "Again, I give you an eternal truth: If two of you agree to ask God for something in a symphony of prayer, my heavenly Father will do it for you. For wherever two or three come together in honor of my name, I am right there with them!"
Today's scripture reminds us: "Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. 'What a huge harvest!' he said to his disciples. 'How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!'"
Isn't that our job as a church—and as the Body of Christ?
We need to be the hospital where souls find healing and restoration.
Let's pray together: "Dear God, I want to take the first choice to healing and spiritual health today. I realize I am not You, God. I've often tried to control my problems, my pain, my image, and even other people—as if I were You. I'm sorry. I've tried to deny my problems by staying busy and keeping myself distracted. But I'm not running anymore. I admit that I am helpless to control this tendency to do things I know are unhealthy for me. Today I am asking for Your help.
I humbly ask You to take all the pieces of my unmanageable life and begin the process of healing. Please heal me. Please give me the strength to choose health. Help me to persevere and continue this journey, led by Your hand.
In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen."
Matthew 9:35-38
"When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus' heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd."
I've shared with you before about some of my simple prayers that received immediate answers: "Lord, I need a ride." "Lord, I am out of ideas. If you want me to see that church..."
What do these prayers have in common?
They were born from a place of helplessness—moments when I recognized my own limitations and surrendered to God's power.
Do you ever find yourself in a state of powerlessness over a certain situation?
Perhaps you're facing something that feels completely beyond your control.
Some challenges might seem small—like those I mentioned—but maybe yours is life-threatening...for you, or someone you love.
It's often difficult for believers to admit their own struggles. We can be powerless over destructive habits or behavior patterns in our lives—or watch helplessly as someone we love battles their own demons.
In twelve-step recovery programs, the first step acknowledges: "We admitted we were powerless over __________ - and that our lives had become unmanageable."
When we find ourselves in an unmanageable situation, we stand at a crossroads: Do we give up—throw in the towel—or do we decide that we need help, and that maybe—just maybe—finding that help is actually possible?
Jesus said: "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." (Matt 5:3)
MSG: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."
Can we humble ourselves enough today to admit, "I am powerless (in my own ability) to control my own tendency to do the wrong thing—and my life is unmanageable?"
Your first thought might be, "Sure, I'm not perfect, but I'm not struggling like others are."
Yet it doesn't take much reflection to realize everyone has their own set of struggles.
If you can't identify one area of struggle in your life right now, maybe God has positioned you to be that one who can stand strong for the rest of us.
Use this message (today) to build your faith so you can stand in the gap and believe for others.
1 Cor 10:12-13 reminds us: "Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."
The truth is, we ALL struggle with something. We all need help in some area of our lives. Matthew 5:3 (TPT) declares: "What happiness comes to you when you feel your spiritual poverty! For yours is the realm of heaven's kingdom."
Part of our human nature is to refuse change until our pain exceeds our fear of changing. We deny our struggles until they become so overwhelming that we're finally crushed into realizing we need help.
? Why don't we save ourselves the misery and admit now what we're inevitably going to have to admit later?
When we try to fix our problems ourselves, we often only make things worse.
When we deny our humanity, our need for a new nature, and our total reliance on Christ—when we attempt to be the center of our own universe—we're playing God, and we always end up doing a poor imitation.
We try to control our image—telling people we're fine when inside we're torn apart. We try to fix ourselves and our problems until they're so big and out of control that we finally have no choice but to reach out for help.
We do everything we can to control our pain—whether by avoiding it, denying it, reducing it, or postponing it. But there's always ultimately that moment of truth when we can no longer deny reality... when we finally admit, "I am powerless in my own ability, and my life is unmanageable." In essence, we're admitting, "I am not God."
Psalm 145:8-9 tells us: "The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
When Jesus walked this earth, He demonstrated that compassion.
Our Scripture says, "When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
The people around Jesus probably had no idea just how broken their lives really were. We need to understand God's heart toward us and how He longs to heal our brokenness.
Jesus lamented, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me."
Isaiah 57:18-19 offers these beautiful promises: "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people."
Notice the five promises God extends:
If you are hurt, God says, "I will heal you."
If you're confused, God says, "I will lead you."
If you feel helpless, God says, "I will help you."
If you feel alone, God says, "I will comfort you."
If you feel anxious and afraid, God says, "I will offer peace to you."
"Trusting in His promises, we find hope for a better future—a life of freedom, peace, and happiness."
We desperately need God because our lives are unmanageable without Him.
We'll be forced to learn that lesson someday. We may as well admit it now.
Are there still issues you struggle with? If you answered "yes," you know without a doubt that you're a citizen of the human race.
The Bible tells us clearly we were born with a sin nature—a carnal mind. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives can we rise beyond this.
Colossians 3:10 instructs us: "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."
This reveals two important truths: It is a choice—and it is a progressive change.
We can't do it without the Power of Christ in us.
Spurgeon wisely noted: "You may invite men to listen to your message, but you are only inviting them to gaze upon an empty table unless Christ is the very center and substance of all that you set before them."
Psalm 62:5 reminds us: "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him."
We need new hope sometimes—and we need the House of God to pick us up and help us find the restoration that we will never find anywhere else.
• What needs changing in your life?
What hurt, hang-up, or habit have you been trying to ignore?
Choosing to admit that you can't do it alone and that you need God is the first and hardest choice.
It's humbling to say, "I have a problem and I need help." It means acknowledging, "I'm not God, and I don't have it together as I'd like everybody to think."
But that is truly the beginning of healing. It is the road to victory.
Jesus warned about the alternative: "For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them."
It's time to ask God for the help we need.
Do you recognize that God's grace offers real solutions to overcoming ourselves?
Psalm 46:1 assures us: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
(Publishers Clearinghouse) What if the Grand Prize was going to be delivered to your door?
Jesus stands at the door of your heart today with the true answers you are seeking.
John 16:24 promises: "Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
Matthew 18:19-20 reminds us of the power of agreement: "Again, I give you an eternal truth: If two of you agree to ask God for something in a symphony of prayer, my heavenly Father will do it for you. For wherever two or three come together in honor of my name, I am right there with them!"
Today's scripture reminds us: "Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. 'What a huge harvest!' he said to his disciples. 'How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!'"
Isn't that our job as a church—and as the Body of Christ?
We need to be the hospital where souls find healing and restoration.
Let's pray together: "Dear God, I want to take the first choice to healing and spiritual health today. I realize I am not You, God. I've often tried to control my problems, my pain, my image, and even other people—as if I were You. I'm sorry. I've tried to deny my problems by staying busy and keeping myself distracted. But I'm not running anymore. I admit that I am helpless to control this tendency to do things I know are unhealthy for me. Today I am asking for Your help.
I humbly ask You to take all the pieces of my unmanageable life and begin the process of healing. Please heal me. Please give me the strength to choose health. Help me to persevere and continue this journey, led by Your hand.
In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen."