"The Power of Weakness" Conclusion

The Power of Weakness

Conclusion

   

   We do well to ask God to reveal His power in our lives, and in the world.  He often does so, and thereby greatly glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ.

    "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

   When our Heavenly Father's purposes coincide with open and obvious displays of His infinite greatness, we see wonders that foreshadow an eternity beyond all imagining.  "His greatness is unsearchable" declared the Psalmist of God's wisdom, power, and invincibility of determination and purpose (Psalm 145:3).  Present manifestations of such  power thrill us, as they should, and we do no harm to Biblical truth in asking our Lord to openly display His transcendent ability.  "O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; to see Thy power and Thy glory" (Psalm 63:1-2).

    As we have previously considered, however, the power of God is presently revealed in weakness as well as in might.  This raises a fascinating consideration.  What more reveals the ability of God?  His deliverance from evil and harm?  Or His keeping of our hearts in the midst of our challenges?  Scripture promises that the believer can experience joy in sorrow, peace in turmoil, blessing in buffeting, and fulfillment in futility.  The Bible also promises that our Lord possesses more than enough power to deliver us from our trials.  In or from?  Is it a greater display of Divine might to banish our enemies, or to enable our experience of the promise, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies"? (Psalm 23:5).  I would suggest the latter possibility.  Indeed, it would not be difficult for the Lord to send legions of angels to our particular crosses in order to save us.  Conversely, to reveal joy in sorrow or peace in turmoil requires a mighty working of God's Spirit in even the most godly believer.  When life painfully brings us to our knees, but we nevertheless look to Heaven - "I trust You, Father" - what measure of power elicits such grace and devotion?  How does God do that?  "Thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble" (Psalm 56:15).

     Eternity draws nigh, with its glories of openly displayed power and might.  We look forward to its wonder.  We also rejoice in present displays of Divine strength.  However, we must often look upward to see the God we cannot see, to see Him by faith.  We look around in the confidence that the appearance of His absence exists in direct proportion to the reality of His dynamic presence.  We look at the tombs of our lives in remembrance of another Tomb of death that actually served as the birthplace of eternal resurrection.  And we look into the pages of Scripture to fortify our hearts with Truth and the assurance of the Holy Spirit.  The power of weakness presently  reveals the power of God no less then the power of His might.  We do well to expect our Lord to often act accordingly in the lives of His trusting children in Christ.  We shall not be disappointed, and we shall see wonders of our Father's heart and ability that can only be known when His hand seems stilled.

"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)

Weekly Memory Verse

    And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

(II Corinthians 12:9)