DISCOVERING POWER IN WEAKNESS

          One can’t read the Bible without noticing that God is frequently found fighting for the underdog.  In fact, it would be safe to say that being big and strong doesn’t impress God.  We often see God calling on people to serve who don’t feel competent for the task.  Even more to the point, the severity of God seems reserved for those who conclude that their own strength is sufficient.  On the other hand - - for the weak, the poor, the sick, the repentant and the despairing, the Lord has only tenderness.  Sarah was barren (Gen.17); Moses was slow of speech (Ex.4); The children of Israel were like grasshoppers in the sight of the Nephilim (Num.13); Gideon was the youngest among a family that was the least in the tribe of Manasseh (Judg.6); David was just a young shepherd boy when he felled the giant Goliath (1Sam.17); and the humble lad Daniel was able to shut the mouths of hungry lions (Dan.6).  The epistle to the Hebrews enumerates a litany of men and women who from weakness were made strong (Heb.11:34).

          And then there is Saul of Tarsus who became the apostle Paul.  One might be inclined to think that God would have been more than willing to accommodate this “choice” convert.  Yet, Paul finds himself sorely hindered by what he terms “a thorn in the flesh”, given to him by God to keep him from exalting himself.  Paul entreated the Lord three times that it might depart.  But God told him:  My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness (2Cor.12:8-9a).  PAUL’S RESPONSE IS SO VERY INSTRUCTIVE FOR ALL OF US who have problems (i.e., all of us).  Paul did not pout.  He did not protest.  Neither did he pick up his marbles and leave.  Paul’s response was truly remarkable:  Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell within me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, perse-cutions and difficulties, for Christ sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2Cor.12:9b-10).  An Englishman deacon, Abraham Wright (1600’s), once wrote, I am mended by my sickness, enriched by my poverty and strengthened by my weakness. When we can come to embrace this mindset, then we will have reached a plateau of genuine Christian maturity.   

Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ