Strength in weakness

 

According to the National Hole-in-One Association, the odds of this perfect hit are about 12,000 to 1 for most golfers, with 3000 to 1 for pros. Tiger Woods has had 20. If those numbers are intimidating to a golfer, some sources say that only 59% of Christians share their faith and less than 95% have ever led someone to Christ. In other words, the odds of doing this are higher than the odds of hitting a hole-in-one. 

This is tough news for anyone with a perfectionist streak. A pastor once said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly” and I understand that now more than when first hearing it. I’ve known people who are so determined to do well that they will not undertake activities in which they cannot excel. For them, it is perfection or don’t do it.

This demand for being at the top happened in high school. I did well and soon my peers jeered me if I didn’t get 100% in pop quizzes. I soon felt like a failure if I didn’t succeed and that feeling, plus pride, made life challenging. Part of the challenge is that not everything can be measured by a percentage grade.

Consider Jesus answer to this question: What is the greatest commandment? 

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37–39)

How does one measure love? Jesus also said we are to love others as God loved us? Does that mean I die on a cross for them? Or meet all their needs? Or understand their very thoughts? Doing well in this department is impossible to gauge like golf shots or pop quizzes. How do I know if I have loved adequately? By the reactions of others? By how take my advice? By their thankfulness? 

Apart from affirmation by the Holy Spirit, there is no way of knowing when love is 100% or any percent. It is the same with obedience. Human desire can mess with honest evaluation. Perfection can be motivated by pride or the desire for power and who knows what else. These thoughts point me to this passage that clarifies what God means by perfection:

On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:5–10)

Paul had all the skill and background needed to be a major leader in the early church. But God would not let him be proud of himself. He gave him a thorn, wisely not defined. Whatever it was, God left it there to keep this incredible man from human perfectionism. The only way he could do what God wanted was to be weak, unable, useless without the power of Christ. 
Personally, I know this. Rejoicing in weakness is part of hitting a hole-in-one when it comes to obedience. If I am aware that I cannot ‘score’ and rely on Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, then I know He will do His work through me, and I might not even see the scoreboard, only hear a tiny bit of heavenly cheering — maybe.

Failing is no fun. Feeling helpless is no fun either, but unless I welcome it instead of trying in my own strength, failure is guaranteed. The perfection I desire is found only in Christ, and to have it means saying no to all else. 

PRAY: Jesus, the past few days have been a huge test of who I will trust, for forgiveness and redemption, but also for the decisions of everyday life, and for the ability that You give, even in weakness and hardships. The choice is always me or You, and when plainly put, the decision is really a no-brainer. Forgive me for forgetting, and for feeling sorry for myself that I cannot do anything without You. That also misses the mark! Amen. 

Tired on Tuesday. . . .

After a good day of worship and rest, Monday usually is a day of energy and accomplishment. Yesterday was like that, but then there is Tuesday, often a day of being sleepy and wanting to nap all day. I need this reminder:

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28–31)

This is a favorite passage, even before the years multiplied and I’m now a wobbly part of the generation now dubbed the “Silent Generation” born between 1925 and 1945. While seldom silent, I am often feeling without might, weary and exhausted. It reminds me that the Lord is here for me, even in my fatigue. He will renew my energy when renewal is needed.

God does not get tired. He does not have the limitations that I have, or even those weaknesses that sometimes hit young people as they try to run on empty. This era of being too busy has gripped us, particularly because technology and modern life are filled with so many opportunities that making a decision about what to do next, or what to do period, becomes a confusing and long list.

What is it about aging that adds to that? I once was able to do the physical chores in our home and in the yard, work at hobbies and interests, spend time with friends, do the shopping, and stay up late — all on the same day. Not anymore. Slow and steady? Sometimes only on Mondays. When I pray using this passage, soaring like an eagle isn’t part of what I would like. I’m content when the Lord renews my attitude, keeps me focused, and gives me the energy needed for the necessary tasks — and for the interruptions.

These verses also remind me that Jesus experienced all of this in Gethsemane. He bore the burden of all sin, a weight that is beyond my imagination. He sweat blood as He bowed before His Father and said, “Not my will but Thine be done.” When His physical and mental anguish come to mind, I’m ashamed of my pity-parties and complaints. And then I realize afresh that He, this suffering Savior, also promises sufficient grace every day. He gives me all the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical energy I’ll need to live out whatever He asks of me, like Monday, like Tuesday, like every day. I may feel depleted, but He asks no more than whatever He plans for me and will supply whatever is needed to do it.

PRAY: Jesus, You embraced the ultimate weakness and weariness of the cross. Your love bore all my burdens. I get weary yet You supply all my needs according to Your riches and Your great love. I can thrive in that love and nothing can separate me from it or You. Grant me all I need this frosty Tuesday. Amen.

Making the best choices

 

It is easy to say I want the will of God, but this past week has been filled with tests to that desire. One option was fine in size but terrible in color. I wanted the size but could I live with what did not appeal to me?

Another option looked good in the beginning but it had some serious flaws that would make life very challenging. Could I live with the cosmetics and deal with the flaws? Praying for the will of God seemed to mean a lot of compromise, yet it turned out neither option was His will. Then came yesterday.

Weeks ago we bought tickets to an outdoor event. But it was cold, very windy, and we were exhausted. I put on a winter vest and a windbreaker. I didn’t want to go. But we did and immediately, in a large crowd of people, found a cousin and his wife — and the reason it was God’s will that we attend this event. I don’t know him very well, but made a significant connection at our family reunion where he invited us to this event. He was involved in it in a small way, but so delighted that we came to encourage him.

Today’s reading speaks of this life of faith. We were burdened all week trying to figure out the will of God and relieved but exhausted to finally know what He wanted. How true that He says:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

I’m not to worry about anything, certainly the ‘big’ issues of life but also the small, everyday stuff that can be a bother, particularly when I feel so helpless about it or so tossed with the choices. This week was filled with both, yet the simplicity of getting outside in the cold to make another person smile has more merit than all the struggles about choices that seemed vital at the time. Helplessness is good if it turns me from my I-wants to make simple decisions based on what the Spirit of God has clarified.

Again, as today’s reading says, I must remember that my chief strength in knowing and doing the will of God is my weakness, even utter helplessness:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

Knowing what choices to make apart from seeking the will of God is folly. It is easy to rely on preferences or what seems good and wind up making big mistakes. It is easy to choose what feels comfortable and wind up missing an opportunity to be a blessing to another person.

PRAY: Lord, I know my strengths easily hinder me from discovering Your will. I also realize how praying that Your will is done is stepping into a war zone. Our enemy is not at all interested in that kind of surrender. I hear the prayers of others and realize the conflict that so easily thwarts this desire to see You at work. My prayer today is that Your will is done — in my life and in the lives of all Your people, but also that we want it with all our hearts because trusting You and knowing what You want for us far out-weighs what we suppose to be the best choices. Amen.

Weakness is my strong point?

 

Today’s reading begins with: “One of the laws of life is that all plants must yield fruit after their own kind. I must be content, therefore, to be the type of plant and bear the type of fruit the divine Husbandman pleases. We do not always like to be what God has made us to be.”

This speaks of spiritual gifts and the list in Romans 12 where Christians are told to act on who they are. The NT sometimes relates this to body parts too. Not everyone has the same gifts nor bears the same spiritual fruit, we are to recognize what God wants from us and realize that while all Christians can bear fruit using every gift, the dominant one or two shape our ministry and even our personality.

Years ago when teaching a class on spiritual gifts, one of the women in the class was obviously an encourager, sometimes called the mouth of the Body. This gift points to the positive and to possibilities to help others move forward in their faith and ministry. However, she decided she was a prophetic discerner, a gift that discerns the will of God, who sees things in black and white terms, and who prays much. This decision meant that she wound up being fruitless in both areas.

The reading for today warns against trying to be something we are not. While the Holy Spirit can enable a sympathetic ear at a funeral or in a hospital room, I know my main gift is not compassion. I do want folks to feel good, but am more focused on helping them think right, to have their minds renewed so their comfort and sense of well-being is rooted in faith and God’s Word rather than in sympathy and hugs.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

These and other verses about who God is and His grace and power to transform our thinking are a focus for me and fuel my desire to move other Christians into thinking God’s way instead of the world’s way. I know that when they do, the contentment they seek will be there and it will help them through great trials.

The thing about fruit-bearing and using spiritual gifts is knowing that divine strength will be made perfect in human weakness — but who likes to feel weak? Paul didn’t. He had a problem and wanted the Lord to fix it, but finally learned why he felt so needy…

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)

The reading says that this law of spiritual life means our part is to supply the weakness, whereas God’s part is to supply the strength. He does this in an almost mysterious way so that I feel my weakness but others see His strength. If a berry bush could talk, it might tell how bearing fruit makes it feel tired — but all we see are the delicious berries!

PRAY: Jesus, I sometimes desire to take Your part and try to be strong. But I know that life in You does not work that way lest. I wind up being discouraged and fruitless. Human and worldly thinking assumes strength to be effective and that I must be confident and filled with courage, not weak and helpless. But the Word of God says that my weakness is my greatest strength. This is an important lesson. Keep me in Your classroom!

Being merciful

 

One good thing about aging is realizing that I cannot do many things that once were easy for me. Why is this good? I causes me to depend more and more on God’s help. Last week, a friend complained about age-related weakness and I said, “Think of it this way. Instead of being a weakness, you are becoming more mature in faith. It is the weak and helpless that God blesses the most.”

This popped out without forethought and came to mind this morning when I read this verse and the note I’d written under it: “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.” (Psalm 116:5) The note said, ‘Mercy is doing for others what they cannot do for themselves.’

Today’s devotional says showing mercy is a sign of being a Christian. This verse tells me that I’m to be like God in that I do for others what they cannot do for themselves:

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12–13)

These ideas are all connected. Aging gives me a sense of what others experience. I’m far more aware of the trials of life and the pitfalls, the sad times and the struggles. Age gives understanding into the human dilemma and into the battles we fight against sin. I’ve been through times of winning and times of losing. I know what it is like to be unable, to have much that I cannot do for myself. Showing mercy is more meaningful because I’ve needed it myself and God has shown it to me.

God’s “law of liberty” is the Gospel. It has set me free from the law of sin and death, something I could never do for myself either.

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:2–4)

God’s mercy to me is the reason and the foundation for me showing mercy to others. Even if other people do not realize that they cannot save themselves, I know the power and deceitfulness of sin. I didn’t understand it for many years, but now that I am older and God has shown me how helpless I am to fight sin, I have a greater distaste for it. I know what sin can do to a life and I don’t want others to remain it its clutches. Because of that knowledge and experience, showing mercy is an imperative. Sometimes it is the key to unlocking the door to release others from the prison of sin.

PRAY: Lord Jesus, there are people all around me in need of mercy. I realize that some of them are unaware of their need. Sin blinds the mind to the reality of it and to our helplessness to fight it. I also now see my own helplessness with greater appreciation for it. Without Your Spirit and Your wisdom, I’ve no idea what needs to be done to set people free from that law of sin and death. I just know that mercy is part of it, a large part. Otherwise, sinners face judgment without mercy. Today, grant me grace to be merciful. I’ve no idea what the day may bring, but without Your mercy and grace, I will be helpless to deal with any of it. Bless me so I can bless others.

PONDER: Read Luke 10:25-37. What does it tell me about mercy? What can interfere with being merciful?