Letters to the Family of God

Dear Friends,

As far back as I can remember, I have mostly felt weak. This feeling has, by in large, stayed with me. There have been times I have felt strong. However, honestly, when I feel strong, usually sin or some foolish self-driven mistake will soon follow.

Now I can easily con myself into thinking I am weak when I am not. Still, I think weakness is mercy from God because I know that God will not allow us to remain with the idea or impression that we are strong. He loves us too much. Something will happen, either by the ordinary process of growing old or at the end when we stand before the bar of His judgment or maybe in the middle in the merciful prospects of His providence-something will happen. One way or another, we will know ourselves weak; and this will be good, and we will give glory to Him who alone all glory is due.

Paul told Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. In Christ means we are brought into union and communion with Christ in such a way that what is true of Christ becomes true of us. Think of those times in our lives when we received distinctive strength, where we knew we were being carried by our Savior. In danger, we knew calm, in harm, patience, in slander, we were self-contained, in sickness, rest, in dark trouble, a powerful rescue, in sin we knew forgiveness. The truth is He gives strength when we need it most. To be in constant need is the safest self-setting I know.

In C.S. Lewis's Prince Caspian, the telling moment is when Aslan asked the prince, do you find yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia? I don't think so, is His reply. Aslan, in turn, says, Good if you had felt sufficient, it would have been proof you are not.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. My weakness makes me shrink. God's promises make me brave. 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 12:10)

God bless you in all things. I sure hope you had a good summer.

Pastor Joe