“Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake—for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
II Corinthians 12:10
Truly, the “wisdom of God” is different from the wisdom of men (James 3:13-18).
“Work harder.”
That’s the world’s adage when we find ourselves “between a rock and a hard place.” They also shout “Just give it the ‘ole college try. . .grin and bear it. . .never give up. . .one for the gipper. . .if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
Yes, we know those phrases well.
In fact, for many of us they’ve been our motto, our “modus operandi,” our mantra.
Yet, we’ve still fallen short. Failed miserably. Left “holding the bag.” Down-and-out. High-and-dry. No breakthrough. No changes. No miraculous recovery.
Everything’s still just the same.
But, it’s in those moments—when we find ourselves at “Wit’s End Corner” (Ps. 107:26-27)—that we learn “Christ’s Secret to Strength” (Ps.107:28-30; Mt. 11:28-30; I Pet. 5:7).
“And, what might that be?” a skeptical voice asks.
Quite simply “Let go and let God. Quit trying and start trusting. Rest and rejoice. Lie quietly on the Potter’s Wheel and watch the Lord work.”
Now, truly, this won’t happen overnight. And, it won’t happen painlessly or quickly.
Crucifixion or “dying to self” never does (Gal. 2:20).
But, it’s realizing “His Strength is made perfect (complete) in our weakness” (v.9a) that we learn the importance of trusting Him and resting in His “sufficient Grace” (v.9b).
In the process we also learn five valuable truths:
1. Troubles can’t be evaded. 2. Trials can’t be escaped. 3. Thorns aren’t always extracted. 4. God’s Grace is never exhausted. 5. Christ’s Strength will never evaporate.
Truly, we’ll always have trouble in this fallen, broken, sinful world of ours. Adam’s sin assured this. And, we’ll always have trials and thorns because that’s the way things are here on terra firma.
But, in the midst of them all. . .when we’re suffering because of Adam’s sin, our sins, others’ sins, satanic oppression or God’s chastening Hand. . .we find His Presence near, His Grace sufficient and His abiding, Resurrection Power complete.
And, in the process we learn to “glory in and take pleasure in our problems.”
This isn’t the miserable musings of some deluded, masochistic martyr who finds pleasure in pain—i.e., “Hurt me again; it feels so good.”
No, these are the rejoicings of one who knows the Risen Lord and rests in His Power to sustain. His “Grace House” covers us while our “thorns keep us from getting puffed up with pride, causing us to forget our need of Him.” Strength in suffering = His Presence in pain. It’s all about trust. Simple, childlike trust. Why not pause and give thanks right now?
October 31, 2011
