Weak But Strong
I remember meeting a guy from Minnesota many years ago. He had landed a job in Tennessee and I had the chance to chat with him a bit about his perspective. It was pretty obvious that he was from the Northern US when he spoke, just like it’s pretty obvious I’m from the Deep South when I speak. He told me something that I’ve never forgotten. It was advice from an uncle or a friend in Minnesota. He was told, “just because people in south talk like they’re stupid (with the southern drawl and “two-syllable” words), don’t EVER assume that they are stupid.” I’ve learned that the opposite of that is true as well. Just because someone “appears scholarly and smart”, doesn’t mean that they are smart. I believe knowledge and wisdom are revealed with time and experience. I have learned as a REALTOR that the facts of the matter usually come to the surface. I learned early on that when someone tells me that “money won’t be a problem”; it usually is. I’ve also learned that the man who looks broke can very well be rich. I guess the bottom line is, “we can’t judge a book by its cover”.
Paul was saying his final words to the Corinth Church. He had really written some tough instructions to them. He loved them, and he wanted them to be clear on that. I love how he concluded with words of clarity and purpose. Check this out….
3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you. 4 Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power. (2 Corinthians 13:3-4 NLT)
I think it would be a grave mistake on anyone’s part to assume that just because a person is a Christ follower, he or she is weak. The opposite is safer to assume. I think a person who is a Christ follower has a strength that is unseen but clearly present. Christ in me has helped me navigate some deep suffering and struggle in my life. I am clearly different as a result of those struggles, but Christ in me made me much stronger. I would rather be perceived as weak, knowing that my strength comes from Christ in me, than to be perceived as strong and be empty inside.
I’m thankful to live my life with the power of God’s Spirit in me. He has done things through me that I never dreamed possible. He speaks into me. He directs my path. He helps me make wise decisions. He helps me love people who are hard to love. He helps me lead my family. He helps me serve my clients in business. He helps me lead our company. I can’t do anything without Him – He has a permanent home inside my heart and He is the Source of my strength, presence, courage, wisdom, power. I am not on my own – He owns me. I’m totally good with this arrangement. I may appear weak, but I’m really VERY strong because of His Presence in me!
Pressing On!
Dwayne