Power of The One

For most of us, there are things which make us cringe and shiver; although past, one such thing for me was piano recitals.  No matter how much I practiced-to-memorize-and-perfect a musical piece, there was never a way to prepare for stage fright!

 

It's hard to imagine the Apostle Paul weak, but even this mighty man of God, was human thus subject to many of the same basic struggles we face.  He sent these words of God to encourage and comfort the Corinthian Christians, "My Grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made Perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). While I won't argue [perhaps] the recital experience had a positive impact on budding pianists, they were mostly for students to "shine" for their parents.  A good performance, of course,  was a splendid reflection on the teacher who had pushed us to unimaginable heights. The Believer's weaknesses are evident  in every storm and struggle -- no practice required! Personal strength eventually wanes and fails altogether; Christ's Strength in us, however, is both perfect and exemplary.  When we purposefully lay aside who we think we are or who we intend to be, surrender and take up Christ's Power, our battles take new shape.  Surrounded by a mighty Assyrian army, King Hezekiah told God's people, "Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the King of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for The One with us is Greater than the one with him." (2 Chronicles 32:7).  John echoed this same message, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4).  You see, God's Might always shines brightest and is most effective when we have no strength at all.  I don't remember too much about how well I "shined" on-stage, but who of us cannot delightfully testify of God's faithfulness to give incredible Strength to us in our troubles!  Are you in a storm right now, experiencing trouble on every side, feeling a bit weary from the battle?  Take up the Power of The One ... let God shine!