Be strong is another of those injunctions that I am trying to get over. I have spent my life being strong and has my mother and look where that has lead her (a mental health unit) - do I want to go the same way?
I have been reminded this morning my that Still Small Voice of Corinthians 12:10
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (Good News Bible)
Now I wish I could say that I am content with weakness, but my natural earthly desires are to BE STRONG, which means I have to FIGHT weakness, that immediately puts me into a no win situation. That means I am belittling Christ on the cross. If I can do it in my strength why did He die for me???
If only it were as easy as repeating Paul's words with my lips to make my heart believe those words. Living in the world where people do not know or trust God means I am surrounded by those who really do think the only way through hardship is BEING STRONG.
Today I am going to try and accept my weakness, to accept my inability to put things right, to accept that I can not control what other people say to me or put on me.
Maybe I will then feel the STRENGTH of CHRIST RISING. The STRENGTH of the RISEN KING. The STRENGTH of the LORD OF LORDS. The STRENGTH of the one that has DEFEATED DEATH.
I have been reminded this morning my that Still Small Voice of Corinthians 12:10
I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (Good News Bible)
Now I wish I could say that I am content with weakness, but my natural earthly desires are to BE STRONG, which means I have to FIGHT weakness, that immediately puts me into a no win situation. That means I am belittling Christ on the cross. If I can do it in my strength why did He die for me???
If only it were as easy as repeating Paul's words with my lips to make my heart believe those words. Living in the world where people do not know or trust God means I am surrounded by those who really do think the only way through hardship is BEING STRONG.
Today I am going to try and accept my weakness, to accept my inability to put things right, to accept that I can not control what other people say to me or put on me.
Maybe I will then feel the STRENGTH of CHRIST RISING. The STRENGTH of the RISEN KING. The STRENGTH of the LORD OF LORDS. The STRENGTH of the one that has DEFEATED DEATH.
Odd isn't it, that the injunction to "be strong" carries such weight in the secular world, that when we are "heavy-laden" we feel weak and guilty if we can't cope alone.
ReplyDeleteIt has taken me till now to realise that it isn't necessary to go it alone, that we do not have to fight every battle single-handed, and best of all to graciously accept God's help is to follow his command.
A timely reminder Jane, thanks.
It certainly is odd Ray - and I know that often when it is said it is said with all good intentions x.
ReplyDeleteJane, I am feeling the same right now, feeling i have to be superwoman and organise everything and everyone now i am back home again. Its not easy to step back from that position, but important for me to ask for help, without feeling weak and guilty. (I agree with yr friend Ray) X Lyn
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for you Lyn x x x x x
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