My Weakness for His Glory - All the Time

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

This statement sounds silly to the non-believer and to many of us who follow Jesus. It feels like I am asking for trouble or "borrowing trouble," as my grandmother used to say. Truth time here. I don't suffer well. I don't do pain and I avoid arguments at all costs. It used to be that I would do everything in my power to appear in control at all times. To be honest, I was mostly out of control.

The pain of being raised in an alcoholic home brought with it, embarrassment and shame. I felt like I was responsible for the actions of my parents. I have since learned that I am only responsible for my own actions, and I can only change myself, no one else.

I do know my weaknesses, and they are many. That is one good reason I begin every day reading my Bible and studying those scriptures which speak to my heart. I use a journal to record much of this precious time.  

My weakness becomes my strength because it drives me to the foot of the cross. My troubles chain me to that cross and reveal how much I need a Savior. I draw strength from God's Word and I know I don't have to be in control. I have given up control; I have submitted to the Will of God and I rely on Him to handle those things I cannot.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Called to be a True Alongsider

Philippians 4:14-19

“It was good of you to share in my troubles.” (v. 14)  The church at Philippi was there for Paul when no one else was.  How hard it is to share in someone’s troubles!  More often than not, we prefer to avoid our own problems and certainly not share in somebody else’s. 

While social media has made it easy to share our lives with the world, what pieces are we sharing?  Isn’t is usually the good stuff?  Yes, occasionally we let people know we’re having a tough time and we may get a lot of “prayer hands” in the comments, but are we really sharing in each other’s troubles?  Is there any real sacrifice being made? 

Paul appreciated the Philippians' sacrifice and let them know it wouldn’t go unnoticed. “…a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (v. 18) The Philippians were generous, as the Church today is asked to be.  Generous not just with our finances, but our time and talents as well.  How lovely would it be to sit with someone and really feel like we’re being heard?  To share a heartfelt prayer or honest word of encouragement – not a brief, superficial social media encounter.

When we truly make a sacrifice for others, God sees and is pleased.  As the Message translation states, “it’s a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.”  The key word being ALONGSIDE.  It’s amazing what can be accomplished when we come alongside one another.  Not around or near each other, not through a computer screen, tablet or smartphone, but truly alongside one another.  Letting each other know we can make it through anything because God is with us. 

Lord, let me be a light in troubled times.  Make it clear when someone needs me to come alongside them.  Give me the courage to make the necessary sacrifices and give me the strength to lift others up and may they be there to point me back to You in my hour of need.  Amen

2 Corinthians 4:1, 5-12, 16-18

Living Well in a Broken World

I remember when my parents passed away. They left us only five months apart, and it was a very difficult time. There were many other things going on in life at the same time. We were raising our four children, one having a significant disability. I was working full time and my husband was managing a business which demanded extensive hours away and much computer time when he was home. His parents were aging as well, and our young twins were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Many days were very overwhelming and it seemed as though we were on our own to fight off the storms of life. Had we known then what we know now, it would have made things a bit easier to handle. Perhaps no lighter on the heart, but with biblical perspective we could have seen the purpose of our challenges more clearly. I trust you too have been in situations when looking at things from God’s viewpoint would have, or perhaps did ease the pain.

2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”  

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Our trials are nothing compared to what Jesus endured for us.

Though some days seem unbearable, we will be alright.

Yes this world brings heartache and pain, but it will end and be glorious beyond imagine.

What is real and devastating now, will seem trivial when everything is all said and done.

Though this world wears us down, and our bodies weaken, when we lift our eyes to the Lord we are refreshed and strengthened. He is there for us with a promise of eternal peace.

Listen to Tenth Avenue North: “Worn”

Read/Listen to 2 Corinthians 4: 1
                       2 Corinthians 4: 7-18