Strength in Weakness

Samuel 23:15-29

David was an unlikely candidate for kingship in the eyes of many. He was young, naive, sincere, and inexperienced. All the things a strong and controlling man like Saul despises, yet just what the Lord desires.

David fled to avoid conflict and follow God’s will. Saul hunted him like prey. Does that sound familiar? 

Often as we attempt to do as our Lord commands, we feel scrutiny, attack, and disapproval from others in our life. At times we may even be attacked by our loved ones. Is this opposition truly coming from the hearts of our attackers, or is it perhaps instigated by satan and they have no defense against him? Does their lack of connection with Christ perhaps facilitate their need to lash out? These times require us to be strong in the Lord regardless of what others think or how weak we are perceived to be.

The bible says there is strength in weakness, and that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. Those who demonstrate a quiet, reserved nature are often perceived as weak, yet in reality they may possess a quiet strength and confidence that comes from deep within and they feel no need to put their solid personality on display. Their power needs no audience or attention. The Lord’s grace is enough.

So who would you rather stand with, the one with a robust personality who roars like a lion gaining personal attention and perhaps soliciting fear, or one who approaches life like a lamb, thoughtfully addressing each day as it comes and reaching out to others?

As we are sometimes “driven into the desert” let us remember that God may use challenging situations to grow and strengthen us for His purpose. We are shaped and molded like clay in God’s hands through our experiences.

Today is a great day to stand before the Lord and recommit to His purpose for us. Even when we feel weak, we are strong in Him.

Read/Listen to: 1 Samuel 23: 15-29

The Third Visit

2 Corinthians 12-13

　
Paul seems to have spent more time visiting, writing letters and probably praying for the Corinthian church than any of his other churches. In some ways, the Corinthians were his "problem child". In fact, 2 Corinthians was written because a group of men, who called themselves apostles, were bad-mouthing Paul despite all that he had done for the Corinthians.

These men were false teachers who were challenging Paul’s personal integrity and his authority as an apostle. That is why Paul is boasting about his hardships and suffering. In essence, he is defending himself to the Corinthians in order to validate his ministry and therefore his apostleship.

It would be easier for Paul to just quit or to give up on the Corinthians or to rationalize taking the easy way out of not confronting them. But he doesn’t do that. He cares too much for them. He loves the Lord too much. So he keeps reaching out to them. According to my study Bible, Paul wrote them four times and visited them three times. This is more than he did with any other church. Why? Paul answers this question himself.

"Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you." 12:14
If I was a Corinthian and read this it might bring a tear to my eye. Paul doesn’t want anything from them, but them. On the one hand that is very touching, but on the other hand it is kind of scary. Giving yourself is always harder than giving your possessions.

"Everything we do dear friends is for your strengthening". 12:19
Following this verse Paul speaks of expectations, both his and the Corinthians. He makes himself vulnerable by sharing his fears that when he arrives everything could fall apart. Despite his feelings he continues forward for his third visit so that the Corinthians might be strengthened.

Doesn’t God work in our lives in the same way? Doesn’t He keep drawing us closer to Him? Isn’t He faithful in our relationship with Him? Hasn’t He sacrificed much for us?

Even though we turn from Him. Even though we let others lead us astray. Even though we find sin more enjoyable than sanctification. He continues towards His "third visit" with us. And He doesn’t want our possessions. He wants us – every part of our being.

Therefore, don’t hold anything back. Turn it all over to the Loving God who gave His only Son for you.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20corinthians%2012-13&version=NIV;MSG
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/2Cor.12-2Cor.13

Power Through Weakness

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

We all want to make a difference in this world. We hope to leave our mark upon society in some way that is relevant. When the day comes that we pass on, we hope that kind words will be said about us at our memorial service. We want to be remembered as unique, in whatever way is important to us as individuals. This brings to mind the concept of a headstone and how the dates of birth and death are not the significant part, but the dash in between those dates. The question is: "How did you live your dash?"

So many of us feel as though we have to do something BIG, to be significant enough to matter. Others think accumulating a great deal of money or assets will mean success. Still others focus on just striving to be happy. God tells us that the meek shall inherit the earth, and he always calls on the most unlikely to do his work. There are so many, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the world, Jesus' disciples, simple fishermen and laborers became fishers of men, Goliath brought down the giant, Noah, built the ark........ none of these men were influential, noble, or wise by human standards. God uses the weak to lead, the sick to demonstrate courage, children remind us all what is truly important.

No matter who we are, or what this world has molded us into, we are all the same in the eyes of the Lord. We may feel insignificant and weak, but we are relevant and powerful. We may flounder in our own problems and predicaments, but we have the ability to do great things through and because of our trials. We are all here to make a difference, from right where we are. Jesus has shown us the way!