Too Weak, Really? (part three)

(This post will make more sense if you read parts one and two.  Thanks.)

When we let the hardships of living in this world break us, then something is not right.  That’s not what God intended.  But the problem is NOT that YOU are too weak!

The problem is that YOU are still too strong.  It’s kind of like what John the Baptist said in John 3:30.  In fact, why don’t you take a few moments and read these verses…

• I Corinthians 1:26-31
• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
• Jeremiah 9:23-24

The difference — the power — that is within us who are Christ-followers is only seen when we accept that it’s not about OUR strength — it’s about HIS.  And we get in the way of HIS strength shining through the cracks in our jar when we keep expecting that somehow it’s about OUR strength.  It’s like we’re trying to plate our clay jar with titanium or something.  We’re too focused on working from the outside in.  Instead, we need to focus less on what we need to DO and more on what we need to BE.

• Let’s BE poor in our own spirit, knowing that we are totally dependent on HIM.
• Let’s BE mournful about the sin in our life.
• Let’s BE gentle and merciful with others instead of always expecting that from others.
• Let’s BE hungry and thirsty for HIS righteousness instead of making choices based on our own standard of what’s right.
• Let’s BE peacemakers who are grieved by the gossip and slander we hear instead of tickled by it.
• Let’s BE willing to risk it all for the cause of Christ.

In other words, let’s DENY SELF and LOSE OUR LIFE because of the knowledge of the glory of God that we have been given in Christ.  Then and only then will we be weak enough to be strong.

Grateful for His voice…