Whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NRSV)

How does this make sense?

Weakness is a negative attribute except, as I sang enthusiastically, for little children.

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes! Jesus loves me. Yes! Jesus loves me.

The Sunday school song associated weakness with my young age. I grew and learned to be strong and successful through determination and hard work.

By adulthood, I was a good Christian. I did all the things a Christian should do. I attended church, baked cookies for coffee hour, participated in small group Bible study, donated canned goods to the food cupboard, delivered meals to new parents and bereaved families, and served on a church committee. That doesn’t include my roles in the local community and kids’ schools.

My schedule was chock full of good deeds, modeling kindness, generosity, and strength to my children. I encouraged them, “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

I did it all, until I couldn’t.

I fell into a pit and couldn’t climb out. Admitting I’d struggled with depression exposed weakness. I believed I was stronger (and better) than them. I didn’t need help.

I pulled myself out of each pit, until I couldn’t.

Thankfully a dear friend climbed into my pit and gently, persistently convinced me to seek help. Who me, the strong and capable woman? That, my friends, is pride. Depression was the first chink in my prideful facade.

I didn’t flaunt my achievements, but internally loved my capacity and others’ admiration of my dedication to serving. This was the Christian woman I aspired to be. But fatigue set in. Obediently loving people is good when it’s for the right purpose, but I had misguided motivation.

I desperately sought God’s approval, until He transformed my heart.

For some, transformation results in significant life change. In my case, bystanders didn’t observe a major shift as I continued volunteering. But friends noticed remarkable change that was worthy of comment.

Joy spilled over from humble surrender.

Transformation might be particularly difficult for a functional Christian who feels ‘holy’ by fulfilling the expected duties of the faithful. I performed those duties without including God. He was certainly present, He always is, but I pushed Him aside because I had things under control. I didn’t need help, even His.

We perceive needing help as a weakness and I’m still uncomfortable accepting it. When offered help as I juggle an armful of bags, books and drinks, I refuse, “I got it!” I’m proudly self-sufficient.

Pride is a mighty barrier to finding God. He abhors pride. (Search for pride in your Bible app or check some of these links: Prov 8:13; Prov 29:23; Prov 11:2; Isaiah 2:11: Dan 4:37; Amos 6:8)

So what changed in me?

I ceased striving and simply received His saving grace. I surrendered, humbled myself as incapable of being good. I’m forgiven, saved, washed, holy (whatever language you prefer) solely because God sees Jesus’ goodness in me. He is my Savior.

He is my Lord. I belong to Him and everything I have is a gift: my family of origin, experiences, skills and passions, time, finances. He has prepared and equipped me to serve in His kingdom.

I offer my life as a sacrifice, holy and pleasing for God’s use (Rom 12:1). I am His instrument, a channel He uses to love people. God puts me in the right place at the right time to serve His beloved children. The more adept I become at hearing and following His guiding voice, the more frequently He directs me.

What a thrill to be used by God! It’s not always easy. He sometimes challenges me out of my comfort zone. But if God has called me to it, He will strengthen and equip me.

Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV

I find joy in God!

• Praising Him with awe and gratitude for His Goodness and Greatness
• Developing deep relationship with Him through His word
• Talking to the One who knows my heart and loves me anyway
• Knowing He is present with me always
• Observing His hand in my life (links to examples below)
• Receiving His inspiration as He speaks these words through my fingers

Are you missing this joy?
If so, reply to this email.
I’d love to share some with you.

Click for God-incidences:

• God provided a blog about how the resurrection changes everything
• God comforted me in a time of tragic grief
• God answered my prayer with a hymn

#SeedsofScripture #scripturestudy #readthebiblebetter #apostlepaul #transformed #obediencetoGod #Godswillbedone #servingGod #pridebeforethefall #humilityoverpride #joyofthelordismystrength #weaknessisstrength