It seems the world worships the tough guys, the people who come across as fearless and strong no matter what. They are the center of countless, stories, films and shows, while anyone perceived as weak is ridiculed and rejected. The apostle Paul was himself a tough guy, but God taught him a very different way of understanding strength. In the process, he was given a handicap to keep him in constant touch with his limitations. Three times he asked God to take away this handicap. And three times God said "no" - not to hurt him, but free him, and give him greater strength. God told him, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." And an amazing thing happened. Hearing this, Paul became "glad to let it happen." He quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. As he describes it, "it was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." Amazing, yes? And so counter to what our culture teaches. But it's the same for us. As we drop the facade and our efforts to act on our our strength -- as we let Christ take over -- the weaker we get, the stronger we become! |
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