In addition to the universal weaknesses of the flesh that come as a result of the Fall, the Lord will at times “give unto men” a personalized, individual challenge that is designed to increase a person’s faith in and dependence upon the Lord. It is in these moments of personal pain and recognition of our individual weaknesses and limitations that humbly leaning upon the “ample arm” of Jesus (see Hymns, no. 120) produces strength which compensates for and overcomes mortal weaknesses.
The Lord’s giving us weaknesses in order that we may humbly look to him as our source of strength is not just a series of isolated events in a lifetime but rather is an ongoing process. C. S. Lewis insightfully observed: “When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected), he often feels that it would now be natural if things went fairly smoothly. When troubles come along- illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptation- he is disappointed. These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad old days; but why now? Because God is forcing him on up, to a higher level: putting him into situations where he will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of before. It seems to us all unnecessary: but that is because we have not yet not the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us.” (Mere Christianity, p. 174.)