by Jordy van Gaalen

God at Work

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Therefore in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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 12:7-10 NIV

This verse is one of my favorites, but also one that I find difficult to swallow. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t often find myself saying “Hi, my name is Jordy and I really struggle with being around people for too long. I get claustrophobic in crowds or in settings with lots of stimulation, and then I freak out internally (and externally) and start treating people poorly and grumpily and snappily.” That’s not something I enjoy telling people. I often would rather be the bubbly personality that loves being around people and always makes everyone feel super welcome and has energy to spare for person after person. But too often I find myself wanting to crawl into a hole. Which is not something that demonstrates very well what God has commanded us – love your neighbor as yourself. By the grace of God, I fell into camp ministry where situations are often as I’ve described: lots of people interaction, lots of noise and chaos, lots and lots of stimulation. It is only through God’s strength that I enjoyed three months of this environment summer after summer. But I can say I leaned on God a WHOLE lot to get me through the fatigue and lack of introvert fuel.

I’ve been told time and time again “fake it til you make it.” We want to be strong and bold and talented. We want to strive for improvement and greatness. We want to step out in full faith and be courageous warriors for Christ. 

But to admit our weakness; to fully surrender to our weakness. To admit that we are full of fear, or that we lack love for people we disagree with, or harbor bitterness for those that have caused us pain. That we feel “too shy” or “too outspoken,” or that we just feel we are inadequate in our calling. Those are the tough ones. But those are what can glorify God and point to Him the most.

In those weaknesses and troubles and trials are where Jesus meets us and can do His best work. Because grace is all we will ever need.

When we are weak, it shows the power of God at work in us. God works through human weakness, so that all glory goes to Him. It shows the world that it is not the vessel who holds the power or talent or courage or strength, but it is the One who goes before us, stands beside us, and walks behind us.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado