When I Am Weak Then I Am Strong


Getting sick is such a bummer. As strong and resilient as I may think I am, a microscopic virus is able to knock me off my feet. In over 26 years of pastoral ministry I’ve only missed one Sunday for illness. I was always committed to making it to church no matter how I felt. Then that one Sunday came. I got up only to end up back in the bed shaking with high fever. My wife pulled a fast one on me and called the youth pastor, and described my condition. He called me with a plan in place that would keep me in the bed. I reluctantly complied...but I was glad I did.

Fortunately I’ve faired well this year, but I’ve had times when, like you, I’ve been hit pretty hard with fever, pain, and more. When this happens whether we like it or not we get some down time.

Perhaps you or someone you love has had the flu this year. I hear this year has been pretty rough all across the country. I’m in Puerto Rico right now, and even with all the sunny tropical weather the island hasn’t been exempt. Everyone is being cautioned through public service announcements to be careful. Flu shots are being dispensed for free in clinics all over. Getting sick sure does leave you feeling weak.

Paul prayed to God when he felt weak. God's reply was;
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." II Corinthians 12:9. 

Paul's reply to that was the powerful statement;
“When I am weak, then I am strong." II Corinthians 12:10

That's not a contradiction. When we're weak, God's power shines. We don't always have what it takes on our own, but fortunately we're not on our own.  The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us.

Of course this truth goes well beyond getting the flu. All of us have times when we feel weak considering what we’re up against. Challenges at work or school, difficulties at home, financial struggles, and more can find us feeling like we just don’t have enough. So, when you feel weak, remember that it is then that you are strong.  Perhaps that should help us to all relax a bit knowing that God can handle it.

Following the Son,

James A  Williams

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Had What I Needed Today. I Always Do.

Image
Where’s the checkbook? I had searched high and low, and hadn’t been able to locate one. We rarely use checks for anything anymore, but I found myself in need of one. With my wife out of town I had called for some help. Sarai described to me where I would find them. In a red bag on top of a yellow bag under some sweaters beside the hamper in the spare bedroom. You may wonder why this is where we keep our checkbook. I may wonder why this is where we keep our checkbook. But after 28 years of marriage I’ve learned to not ask too many questions, and to stick primarily to nodding and smiling. I told her I loved her, followed the instructions, and soon had the checkbook in hand. Hmm? Next to the checkbook was a small blue folder that I immediately recognized. It’s where we keep our passports. I was a little surprised to find it here, because my wife was in Puerto Rico. You don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico, but my wife almost always carries hers with her when she travels. I
Read more

It’s My Turn To Be The Pop

Image
“ Children's children are a crown.” Proverbs 17:6 One year ago today my phone rang. I was looking forward to this call. “Hey, Dad. How are you?” “I’m alright.” (Standard response) He wasn’t alright. The cancer, chemo, and treatments had taken such a toll on him. This was Josiah’s birthday though. His first birthday. My Dad always called everyone in the family on their birthday and sang to them. He never missed anyone’s. It wasn’t pretty, and became a comical family joke yet we all looked forward to it.  I called for my son, Nathaniel, who brought his son, Josiah, over to the phone. I held the phone to Josiah’s ear and Nathaniel and I pressed in as we all listened to Dad sing. His voice was raspy and labored. Josiah’s eyes danced. Nathaniel and I smiled and laughed. Tears filled my eyes. He couldn’t stay on the phone long. He tired quickly and speaking was difficult. Josiah’s first time hearing his great grandfather sing Happy Birthday would also be his la
Read more

Christmas Reactions: A Look At The Responses To Jesus' Birth

Image
The reactions of children on Christmas morning can be priceless. The way their faces light up in response to the gifts, decorations, and lights communicates such wonder and awe. I have a grandson who is closing in on two. Sometimes when he sees things he literally gasps. So much of the world is still new to him. Just as I love a child's reaction, I love the reactions in the Christmas story to those who encountered the Christ child. The Bible uses specific words to describe many of the responses to seeing a baby unlike one they'd ever seen before, and the events surrounding his birth. Consider a few with me. Mary, " treasured ." (Luke 2:19) Mary so valued what was taking place that she "kept it in her heart." She would never forget these moments, and no doubt would draw strength from them later. Joseph, " marveled ." (Luke 2:33) From the beginning it had been too much to take in. He couldn't really wrap his brain around the m
Read more