Confounded by Weakness

One of the things I keep learning over and over again is the truth of my own neediness: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, even physically. Our culture was built upon the Independence movement that freed us from the oppression of British rule. It’s the American way to be self-aware, self-made, self-sustaining. Independence is seen as an admirable quality and an indication of inner strength.

But God doesn’t see things the same way. In typical upside down fashion, Jesus said, “The meek shall inherit the earth.” Not the strong, not the powerful, not the independent. He further told the Pharisees, “I didn’t come to take care of those who are healthy. I came for the sick.” Jesus stated clearly that His objective was to rescue the destitute.

God says, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God displays His power in the midst of weakness.  Again, I’m looking at Ruth and seeing a beautiful example of this. She was meek and needy enough to go out into the field of a stranger and pick up the left over pieces of grain dropped by the harvesters.  As a foreigner this was probably quite humiliating. It was an evident display of neediness. And God’s powerful hand moving in her weakness is a precious reminder that indeed He does use “the weak things of the world to confound the wise.”

On Saturdays when we don’t visit Joel we go and volunteer at a ministry called Orlando Children’s Church. It is a church service that is run kind of like a VBS year-round for the un-churched kids in some of the poorest suburbs of Orlando. This week my good friend whose influence got us involved in this ministry, asked me if I would share my testimony with the teens during their chapel time. This was intimidating for me in a big way. Honestly my story is a bit humiliating, no matter how you cut it. And the truth is, sharing it with a bunch of teens is more daunting than my own peer group.  I didn’t know what God was doing, but I knew I had to say yes, and allow Him to do it.  I felt wholly inadequate and ill-equipped. But I also felt confident that God would show up in my weakness. And He did.  And the awesome part is, the more I focus on Him, the less my weakness matters. If anything my neediness becomes a blessing, because it is the platform God uses to showcase His amazing power, love and strength in our lives.

 


One Response to "Confounded by Weakness"

  • Dear Tabitha, I don’t know if I’ve ever told you or not, but I really enjoy your writings. Often I “feel” and “see” many of the same issues I’ve battle over the years. Some of the battles have been won “by God” through my brokeness and submission as I face the upside downness of Gods’ ways. Other “battles” continue as “I win” ;( by holding onto something I think is my right. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Love you kids as always.
    Love, Linda

    1 Linda Myers said this (May 21, 2012 at 11:33 am) Reply


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