In our weakness, God's strength!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with admitting our weakness! The scriptures exhort members of the body of Christ to admit our faults to one another and to pray for one another continually (James 5:16). When we open up in such a way to others, however, we sometimes concern ourselves with how someone might react. There is sometimes a feeling of vulnerability in being completely transparent. If we are open and honest about our lives, we can admit that we have our struggles. Truly, we need to pull together in unity in these trying times, encourage one another, and lift up one another in prayer.

The awesome part about it is this, in our weakness there is always an opportunity for God's strength, the power of Christ, to be magnified in our lives. And when it comes to our faults, there is always an opportunity for us to admit them to one another and to pray for one another, so that God's righteousness and holiness will shine through. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is to be the focal point in our lives and it only matters how God Himself sees us through His Son. As Christians, our desire should be for God to be glorified in all that we say and do. When we are willing to be transparent to others and reach out to others around us (Not just within the bounds of a church building! Reach out to others throughout the week, not just on Wednesdays and Sundays!), God is truly glorified.

Did you know that God can be glorified through your weakness? Did you ever think that if you open up to other members in the body of Christ (beyond the building) that God can use your weakness for His glory? Paul the Apostle wrote these words, "Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 C. 12:7-10)

Paul understood that it was not about him. He knew that it was all about God. God is the One that should be exalted! His grace is sufficient! His strength is more than enough! What I'm getting at is this, what we really need is the power of Christ. This power is readily available for every single Christian in the world. And we need to share this with one another in true fellowship. What is fellowship? Well, it is not just limited to meeting on Wednesdays, Sundays, and sometimes Saturdays. "But what if we had some food and opened up the Bible every meeting, does that count?" Meeting on these days and going through the Bible is great. Having food together, yummy! Praying together, even better. However, we could actually attend all of these meetings and still miss the whole point of fellowship. True fellowship is going through the Bible together, praying together, and even eating together. With that, however, there should also come ... being there for one another, being open to each other, and loving one another.

We can admit our weakness to one another ... it's ok. God's strength will be magnified! In this time, when we are facing various struggles in our lives, we need to be there for one another. Actually, we need to be there for one another at all times, loving one another as the Bible commands, but even more so in these times. Do you realize what kind of opportunity we have to reach this community for God's Kingdom? If we live in such a way that it is apparent that we are part of a living body (a healthy body which has members that actually care for one another), we will reach this community for His Kingdom.

God's strength, not ours!

One Clay Soldier among many