Thankful Thursdays

Here's a doozy for ya: today, I'm thanking God for my weakness.

Yes, I know that's counter-cultural. Have you ever noticed how much in Scripture is? How the last will be first, and it's better to serve than to be served? That we should repay evil with good? God doesn't do things our way, and unfortunately we don't do things God's way. That's why we're always in such a mess.

When Paul complained to the Lord about his weaknesses, God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9a). To be strong, we have to first be weak. I read this in Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, and this verse made great sense to me.

If life were stable, I'd never need God's help. Since it's not I reach out for Him regularly. I am thankful for the unknowns and that I don't have control, because it makes me run to God.

If I considered myself strong, would I seek God? Probably not. I'd become self-sufficient, turning to Him only for what I considered to be the "big ticket items" in my life and "taking care of" everything else on my own. What a disaster that would be! In realizing my weakness, I turn to Him more and more often, because I know I can't take care of anything on my own. "For when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10b). Not strong of my own strength, but strong in God's strength.

What are you thankful for today? Let us know at Women Taking a Stand. God bless.