In My Weakness, He is Strong

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Living in the USA, we are fortunate enough to have freedom of worshiping whom or whatever we wish; I often find persecution is not absent here, just subtle. Whether it be a comment or email, maybe even a snide remark in passing, or an all out attack on beliefs; it is a form of persecution. Now don't get me wrong, I would much rather be here than in other parts of the world where people are tortured, thrown in prison cells, and/or killed all because of the belief in Jesus Christ! And I often find when I am walking closely with Christ, this is when the comments and subtle remarks show up, which isn't all that ironic! It just means Satan is upset over the love and closeness, the bold faith, and potential influence for God's Kingdom.  At first it took me off guard, but now I just realize that I kind of have a target on my back.  You kind of get used to it, I suppose; and now I consider it a compliment.  I am certain many of you know exactly what I am talking about.

As a Momma, we have influence over our children, how they are raised, what their worldview is made up of, and more times than not, how they view the church, Christians, and the love of their heavenly Father. Let me be perfectly clear, however, it does not guarantee that a child will believe like their parents, or that a non-believer will never find the Lord.  But I feel it is safe to say, the stats are higher for kids who grow up in church-going families, to go to church as an adult; and those that don't grow up in that environment of church will tend to not.  There are many exceptions, but the groundwork is often laid when children are young and where their parents place value, in effect...is where they will one day place value also.

I know and can fully admit, as growing up in the church and rarely missing a Sunday, I lost my way as a young adult.  It happens more often than I wish did, but I did find my way back.  I found myself in difficulties, in hardships, and I totally didn't delight in them!  As a matter of fact, I questioned my faith for the first time, and walked away from something I had known my whole life.  Does that mean I was weak?  YES, of course it does!  I am human, and was born with selfish sinful nature, and until I am called home and shed my earthly body, I will continue to make mistakes, stumble, and show my weakness.  But hold on, because this is where it gets good!!! In my weakness, my darkest hour, my lowest moments, with my back to the Creator of the Universe, He chooses NOT to turn from me! He chooses instead to stand upon His throne, and create strength for me, through me, in me...strength that truthfully I DO NOT deserve!  His grace is sufficient, and His mercy is perfect.  You see, through my weakness, I give Him the opportunity to show His BEST when I often am at my worst! And when you think about it; it is almost the opposite of what we do and how we treat others here on earth.  This is why, now, when trials and insults, or hardship and difficulties come, I know that first of and foremost, I AM NOT ALONE!!! And secondly, this is an opportunity to show God's Awesomeness here, and what a privilege I consider that to be. The idea that God would use me, humbles me to my very core.  

I do my best as a Momma to be a solid role model for my kids, both as a good citizen, and as a Christian.  But I will always fall short, that's just the facts of being human.  What I will choose to do is be humble, allow Christ's strength to abide in me, and let the subtle persecutions bounce right off that target on my back.  After all, I have to, my children's eternity may be riding on my influence, not to be mixed up with an ability to save, that is God's job ... but my part is worth every insult, difficulty, and hardship I have to struggle through.