April 19

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Cor. 12:9.

I have never heard a sermon on this verse. It seems everyone is afraid of this topic. Are they worried that it seems too negative? Certainly it is contrary to the world's philosophy, but that by itself should make it worth investigation.

Oh I've found that it's easy to be weak. It gets a little easier as each year goes by. But somehow it isn't just weakness that Paul is talking about--it's weakness turned over to Christ. That makes all the difference, you see. Weakness not turned over is just plain weakness. When we turn it over to Him it becomes His strength. That seems to be the only time we can get out of the way.

On the other hand, it's also easy to be strong. There are some things that I know how to do too well. It's more convenient to rush ahead with no prayer or trust in the Lord. Don't waste time getting others involved--just get it done in a hurry. At times like these I need to pray for weakness. Whenever I've done this, those who overheard my prayer thought it a little strange.

I usually learn these lessons by my mistakes. The Lord lets me go down this silly path of my choosing until I run into trouble. Then I cry out, and wouldn't you know He is there. He picks me up, dusts me off, and I realize that I have needed Him all along. Yes, Lord, your way is always best.

Today as I walk with You, don't let me pull and yank at the yoke. Let me sense your strength and acknowledge my weakness. Only then is Your yoke easy. Amen.

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