So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (TPT)
The Weak Places – Weaker/Stronger Series – Part 6
Go to PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5
I attended a conference a few weeks ago, and someone in the audience asked:
“What would an alternative response to the terror, violence, and injustice that we’re seeing throughout the world look like?“
The speaker paused for a moment, then briefly explained how people become radicalized into violent groups. It usually happens in places that is ravaged by war, poverty, and sickness; where the people are vulnerable, desperate and out of options. In those kinds of situations, you’d do anything to protect what little you have left. And many have; taking protection and whatever is on offer from those who only seek to use them up as pawns in a game.
Here in my house that has electricity and running water, a stones throw away from the beach, around the corner from the supermarket, a 20 minute drive from my kids school, where I don’t worry about what we’ll face on the road (except for slow drivers *wink*), and I can get to the after hours clinic at the doctors if I need to, or the hospital in case of an emergency; it's difficult for me to imagine the hardship that some face around the world. And even in my own country.
But I need to imagine them. I need to know. I need to immerse myself in their stories. I need to become acquainted with their hardships; the persecuted, the weak and vulnerable of the world, I need to walk a thousand miles in their shoes if I ever want to be a part of strengthening the weak places and finding peace (for all of us, but mostly) for those who have none.
In the words of my favorite writer, Frederick Buechner:
“Compassion is the sometimes fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It's the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.“
After all, to whom much is given, much is required. (ref to Luke 12).
I am no savior for those in need. Not at all. I am well aware of my weaknesses and frailties (some of them, at least). But I cannot ignore the weak places in the world, just as I cannot ignore the weakness in my own body and spirit. That kind of ignorance creates a cruel havoc.
Back to what the speaker was saying at this conference:
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we tried to fill up the weak places in the world with strength? What if, instead of abandoning the most vulnerable, we ran towards them with our arms outstretched? Not because we are better than them in any way or in any sense, but because we are free to do so. Send them medical supplies, food, education, BELONGING; strengthen up the weak places. Overcome evil with GOOD. (that sounds familiar?)
Jesus told a story in Matthew 25, and said:
“Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least important of these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.”
I wonder what would happen if we took Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12 beyond the personal and into the communal, even the global.
“So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted… For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.”
What would happen if we embraced our weakness and the weakness amongst us? Not as something to be ashamed of or ignored, but something to be loved, redeemed and healed. The world over and back again.
Go to Part 7 – True of Us »
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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