Strong In…
A hurting world cries out ‘where is justice’ ‘where is relief’ ‘where is help’?
A son kills his father, policemen fear for their lives along with those they defend – and locked doors don’t protect. Rioters in the streets and rich young sports figures question what was once without question.
And weary citizens either tune out not wanting to hear one more tragedy or tune in wondering what will be next.
Who or what has the strength or ability to change any of it? The question rises because the askers have forgotten: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” (1Corinithians 1:25 NIV)
Creation is our great teacher. The spider spins it’s web without a blueprint. This delicate looking masterpiece has a ratio of strength to density exceeding that of steel. In a strong wind, the initial stiffness of the silk helps a web survive – able to tolerate winds up to almost hurricane strength before tearing apart. The web’s ability to flex and stretch keep it intact when torn. Where did the spider learn to weave, where did the proteins needed to make the web originate?
So it is with us. In our weakness we sometimes stiffen to withstand life’s blows. Other times we are stretched to what seems cannot be bared. Only to find out we are stronger because of it. Where does our strength come from? “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV)
Challenging times lay ahead in all lives. From the poorest homeless to the richest tycoon. No one is exempt. And not just us as individuals. But a nation that was once touted as a “city upon a hill” is in danger of going dark. Those who left England in 1630 had a great vision. They hoped to be an example for the rest of the world. Future governor John Winthrop said this: “We shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us.”
Will those watching see us fight on our knees asking the only One who can right the wrongs to intervene? Or will they see us shake our fist in defiance springing from perceived self-sufficiency? I hope and pray this will be our anthem: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)
parisrenae 