But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
So, continuing with the theme of "rain" this week, I'd just like to say that when it rains it pours. The pleasant showers I was hoping for have come more in the form of thunderstorms.
This week, I feel weak. Every day, I come to work, and I just hope I can get through the day without making any major mistakes or allowing my weakness to upset anybody else's proverbial apple cart. (I'm getting good with the cliches!)
This morning, however, Anita called. Anita, my precious friend, a former client, someone God uses repeatedly to bless my socks off. She was frantic, pouring out a story of someone who had used her Christian faith to manipulate her into a bad situation then sent her on a guilt trip when she stood up for herself. She told me she was just calling to make sure I was in my office because she was coming to pray through it with me -- she needed my strength. "This is bad, this is very, very bad," I thought to myself. What have I left to give her this morning? I have no reserves this week.
And, of course, you know what happened next. That Voice. That still, small, powerful, soothing Voice. "Give her Me."
Before I even had time to formulate a plan, Anita showed up. She came inside my office, shut the door, sat down, and began telling her story. And, the tears I hadn't yet shed today poured down my cheeks for her. I listened. I assured her she'd done nothing wrong. I asked about other areas of her life and heard a glowing report of how she is doggedly pressing into Christ for her every need. This woman has overcome more obstacles in her lifetime than you can conceive of were you to sit and count all day. And, we prayed. Grasping both hands, we bowed our heads and asked God for miracles. I prayed until I ran out of words, fearful that what I had to offer her this morning might not be enough. (Foolish, I know.)
When we'd finished praying. We hugged, dried our tears, and then she said, "What do you need me to do today?" I just stared at her. "I've got time on my hands, how can I help out around here?" I took her back to our warehouse/thrift store where I knew she'd be a welcome help. As we passed others in the hallway who greeted her and asked how she was doing, she smiled brightly and said, "Oh, I'm blessed!"
It was the most beautiful demonstration of Christ's power made perfect in weakness that I have ever personally witnessed. And, then I was reminded of a story about Moses from Exodus 33 and how he insisted that the presence of God lead him and the Israelites or they would not move. How I pray His presence would be so evident in my own life!
Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." Exodus 33
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