in my weakness

“God is not lucky to have us”, my husband gently reminded me this week. Have you ever felt equipped to do something, or maybe just more equipped than someone else. There is a great danger in this thinking. Yes, God has gifted each with special abilities uniquely so the body can function properly and healthy; however, the moment you start thinking you are something because of this gift, look out. Paul reminds us, "for if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (Galatians 6:3) God told Paul, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. We are weak. Ashamedly, we often think we are strong. Strong enough to handle trials without praying. Strong enough to raise our kids or counsel people without soaking our minds in Scripture. Sometimes we think we should be somewhere else because we would be stronger or better used in a different job, church, country. I have thought that. I have thought, “God, doesn’t it make sense to have me in a county where I can speak to anyone and everyone without fail?” “God, can’t I be of more use to you if I live in a place where I fit in to the culture and understand the people?” His response to me has been the same as it was to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. For when I am weak then I am strong.” (II Corinthians 12:9-10) Yeah, it makes sense to me to be in a place where I can shine in all my ability. BUT, then I wouldn’t have to depend on Jesus. It’s overwhelming to think He wants the weak. Lucky for me, I’m weak. When things seem illogical or don’t make sense to us, that is probably the hand of God. He confounds the wise with foolish things. He glories in our weakness and infirmities because then HE can shine in all His ability. When we feel helpless or hopeless that is a perfect place to be. Then He can be strong and work amidst our weakness.