Dear Sister,
Don’t you just love stories of an underdog’s triumph? The poor, weak individual who overcomes great obstacles, finds strength, defeats the stronger foe, and stands on top with great victory and power at the end! All throughout, the storyline shows how the feeble character finds, develops, and builds their previously undiscovered power. These stories rarely fail to fire me up and cause me to dig deeper into my soul to conquer whatever challenge I face at the time. I. Will. Win.
But, then I read Jesus’ message: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9b. This is still part of an underdog story, but it has a different ending. Instead of a vibrant winner (Paul, in this case) being carried jubilantly to the front of the church, a model of health, he continued to limp along in their midst. This ending is all the more significant because Jesus gets the glory. For, in spite of his ailment, and perhaps because of it, Jesus is seen in Paul’s actions—in his life. Jesus is glorified, not Paul.
I delight in precision, order, and perfection. I strive and goad myself to reach goals that have tangible evidence of success. Now, I am dismayed to find that I may have been investing a great amount of time ‘painting the outside’ and neglecting the much more important eternal inside. That is not to say our physical well-being, careers, and the state of our possessions do not matter; but they cannot compare to the value of our relationship with Christ. And, above all, all aspects of our lives should point to and give glory to our Lord and Savior.
If I am in the spotlight, beautiful and strong in my own right, I can distract others from the Lord. No, I can never take away from His glory, but I do not want to impede another’s access to our precious Savior, nor do I want to bask in that which is fleeting. So, while I do not want trials and struggles (here, I freely admit I am weak and treasure my creature comforts), I do echo Paul’s desire that Jesus’ power dwell in me. Lord, if You are glorified more because I suffer—please, grant me Your mercy and Your power to persevere and let this unworthy vessel shine transparent for You.
Stumbling with you,
Rebecca