It may not be obvious at first in this tumultuous hour, but the theme of strength is pervasive. It’s as though the Lord is speaking it over and over again from the four corners of the earth – or at least from the North, South, East & West of this nation. He has so much to say about it, that I began writing what He’s allowed me, by His grace to see or to hear, but there’s so much more, I certainly couldn’t contain it all (I doubt that was His intent): there are other voices, but I’ll be breaking out what He’s given me into several posts.

When I am weak.  He is strong.
Here’s the thing.  We are – well I’ll speak for myself – I am always weak (in my own strength, left to my own devices). It’s a truth that makes us uncomfortable, and one the rugged individualist aspect of this nation’s personality is often loathe to admit. The World clings to the common refrain “I can do anything I put my mind to.” Well there’s some truth to that. But we betray the rugged individualist spirit when we acknowledge that it’s only partially true, and dare to admit that we can accomplish many things with skills, talent, and focused intent – but anything; perhaps not. The recent pandemic, health crisis, or plague that shut down the world and forced us to retreat into our homes might challenge the familiar affirmation a bit.

And we dare not stop long enough to consider the preoccupation with self in the mantra ( I can, I put, MY mind). No room for the Christ or His mind there. The third thing is that the language focuses on “anything;” not necessarily good things, God-centered, or God-ordained things. Yet many have aspired to, and accomplished much – including good things fueled by the energy of the chant. Still, think of how much better or how much more might have been accomplished for the common good if our mantra, our nation’s mantra more closely resembled this:

⁹ 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

Admittedly, this may not be the most popular verse in scripture, and I’m not suggesting adopting a doormat approach in the face of current realities or amidst the painful challenges described in verse 10 (not sure it was Paul’s intent either; after-all there was the whole deliverance of God’s people from Egypt event). What resonates with me is, the equipping with power by grace that we are afforded – for the sake of Christ; not only to endure, but to ascend despite weakness (personal, individual, familial, communal, governmental, national, ecumenical, global – weakness).

Strength in and of itself is not useful to The Believer. The Strength of the Lord is what separates Believer efficacy from your garden variety human capacity. Here’s one way I sum up situational strength for The Believer:

Strength – Holy Spirit, anointed, inspired, supernatural (beyond the natural) capacity. Power to advance or to produce good fruit, despite or against resistance. The ultimate conduit to life-giving agency in the earth. The Lord’s strength is a formidable super power in the Believer arsenal.

How do you define strength? Would luv to hear your thoughts. Please comment below.