Strength in Weakness

"No matter what we may encounter in this life, we who belong to the Lord Jesus have this definite knowledge--our Father will use it all in love as an instrument in the carrying out of the glorious purpose to which He has destined us. If that purpose is to be wrought by delivering us from a trial, He will do so. But if it is to be accomplished by means of the trial, He, in His perfect love, will not free us from it but strengthen us to go through it and be victorious over it." Andrew Murray

What a comforting and energizing truth. Encounters with physical pain, mental conflict, emotional stress, and the other multiple aspects of our humanity allow God to prove Himself Sovereign in love and strength. "Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy." (Col. 1:11)

Christ knows our weak states, yet calls us to be His ambassadors. What can I represent? Nothing, within myself. Any "strength" or "goodness" of my own does not reflect anything but the earthly, self-focused pursuits that have no eternal value. So how am I to represent Him? Maybe it is through my weakness. When I am weak, His strength shines. Self is removed as my focus moves past what little I think I may have to offer Him to the acceptance of His might in my complete inability. This can be the only true representation of Christ--Him in me, the hope of glory. And because He is in me, I am "strengthened with all might." I cannot imitate, but I can reflect. The more I encounter Christ, both His power and His suffering, the more He will be seen through me. What a privilege in weakness.