"When I Am Weak, He Is Strong": How Jesus Becomes Our Strength in Recovery
"When I Am Weak, He Is Strong": How Jesus Becomes Our Strength in Recovery
Recovery is often described as a battle—a long, sometimes painful, but ultimately beautiful journey from bondage to freedom. Whether it’s recovery from addiction, trauma, or a lifetime of broken choices, the road can feel overwhelming. It’s in these moments, when we feel we’ve got nothing left, that the message of Anne Wilson’s song “Strong” speaks loudest: “I’m not strong, but I’m standing in your strength.”
The Illusion of Strength
In active addiction or during a season of deep emotional pain, we often tell ourselves we have to be strong. We carry the weight of our failures, guilt, and shame on our own shoulders. We try to fix things ourselves, thinking strength looks like control, like never showing weakness. But that’s a lie the enemy wants us to believe—that we’re alone, and it’s up to us to save ourselves.
Real Strength Begins at Surrender
One of the most powerful truths in recovery is that real strength begins at the point of surrender. It’s when we say, “I can’t do this anymore,” that Jesus says, “I’ve got you.” The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
That means the moment we admit we’re weak, we make room for God’s power to do what we can’t.
This is what Anne Wilson sings about in “Strong.” She doesn’t boast about her own resilience—she confesses her brokenness and declares that it’s God’s strength that holds her up. That’s not just poetic. That’s the daily reality of recovery.
Walking the Road of Recovery With Jesus
Every person in recovery has days when they want to give up—when temptation, shame, or loneliness whisper lies into their heart. But when we walk with Jesus, we don’t face those battles alone. He walks beside us, offering guidance, comfort, and strength.
He says in Matthew 11:28:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
That’s not just a nice thought. It’s a lifeline. Jesus is not a distant figure watching from above—He’s the friend, the Savior, and the Shepherd who lifts us up when we fall and reminds us we are loved, chosen, and redeemed.
You Don’t Have to Be Enough
This is the heart of recovery through Christ: You don’t have to be strong enough. You just need to be willing to let go and let Him be your strength. When we give our pain, our past, and our powerlessness to Jesus, He begins to transform us. Healing isn’t always immediate, but it’s always happening when He’s involved.
Anne Wilson’s lyrics become a personal anthem: “Even when I’m weak, I’m standing strong… because You’re the one who’s holding on.” That’s the kind of strength that changes lives.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in recovery and you feel like you’ve hit your limit, take heart. You don’t have to do this on your own. Jesus is strong enough for both of you. Let Him carry what you can’t. Lean on His promises. And remember—your weakness is not your failure. It’s your doorway to grace.
You are not alone. You are not too far gone. And you are deeply loved.
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