A common expression, often used by coaches, is, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” When they say that, they are talking to the people on the team who are not doing very well. Coaches probably believe that this thought will inspire the “weak links” to try harder. But it may have the opposite effect – only discouraging those who are not doing well.
Look at what the Apostle Paul tells us about being the “weak link”: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me 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. There are times when we may be the “weak link” in an otherwise strong chain, whether it is at home, at work, at school, or at church. Whenever you feel weak it is easy to look around and see others who seem so strong. If we could only read the minds of others we would see similar thoughts. The truth of the matter is this – compared to the surpassing riches of Christ and the power of the resurrection, we are all weak. Paul knew what it was like to feel weak. His enemies at Corinth accused him of being the weakest link. However, Paul understood the benefit of weakness. Whenever we feel strong, pride has a tendency to raise his little head and create a false sense of security. His weakness helped him to depend on the Lord more. He knew his weakness brought him even closer to the Lord. Whenever you feel weak, look to Jesus, who came as a weak baby and died a helpless on a cross. But the weakness in which we see weakness is not weakness at all. There is power in a cross style life. Our weakness gives God a chance to come to us and strengthen our trust in Him. He has a plan and is fulfilling it through weak vessels. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” 2 Corinthians 4:5-7. During this Advent season, we watch and wait for God to return and be strong in us. As He shines through us, He becomes the light for all to see his miraculous hope. This Sunday we will continue our theme, “More Than a Miracle on 34th.” During the first service, our service will be in the Worship Center and our Children will lead our worship during the second service. They will perform their musical – A Joyful Noise. Invite someone to worship with you this week. May you encounter Jesus today as you seek for Him in all He is doing around you. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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