“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”
Why is this concept so hard for people to grasp? That we have a big God, a God big enough and wise enough to handle it. I know the feeling. The helpless, stubborn gut feeling of mistrust. When faced with a situation that demands you give it up, I know the unwillingness. I’ve been there. It sucks. Knowing you need to trust this God, knowing you need to let go of that scrap of control you hold onto with ever increasing fervor. Fear eats at your gut and cripples you. Why? You’re not strong enough. And you refuse to acknowledge it. To be put in a position weakness, to surrender to a stronger and maybe wiser being. Making that conscience decision to ask for help, an act that you’re very essence repulses.
Yeah, I’ve been there. But, have you gone past that point? Reached an understanding that giving in would be a lot easier than going on on your own. Because, you know, deep down, that when you submit it will be okay. The first steps are tentative and fear-filled, but surprisingly he doesn’t let you down. Living moment to moment is new for you, but you keep going, hands constantly held upturned in release. You find strength in your weakness, you’re broken but somehow whole. Another day and though you feel beaten you’re fulfilled with a strength you know is not you. The ice-cold fear slowly eases as you lean more and more on Provision. Everyday you renew your release and suddenly you find yourself looking forward to tomorrow. Instead of dreading the morning with the accompanying fear you’re so used to, you find joy in placing your life in his hands. He takes you on an adventure which takes your breath away. Slowly, ever so slowly he reveals the beauty of a life lived in him and his strength. You find, to your surprise, it’s not weakness to rely on him. It takes a strength and maturity to place yourself in his hands and go wherever he takes you.
The temptation to take it back is great and more than once you fall prey to the lie. But sometimes gently, sometimes not, he brings you back to that understanding, I’m not strong enough. In him, he also reveals more of himself to you. And you find a companion, who truly laughs when you laugh and grieves when you grieve. Who finds joy in your joy, who loves for your eyes to light up with understanding while he stands by and applauds. Who won’t let you go and while it hurts in the process, you know, you hope, you pray he won’t let go. Like a passionate guide, he takes you by the hand and leads you through life, and if you listen, teaches you what he desires you to know. You begin to change, to not look for ease in situations, for things to smoothly, but you pray to be open to what God has for you today and for the wisdom to deal with it. Praying that prayer takes a courage that doesn’t come easily, for when you pray that, expect God to answer. But, if you are in him you truly can embrace the pain and challenge with God’s joy, knowing that he is teaching you something and you are excited to learn what that is.
This is not a checklist, a program or seven proven steps to happiness and success. It’s so much deeper and richer. So much more beautiful than anything a book can give you. This requires you, to listen, submit, and learn. Everybody’s adventures looks different. Everybody’s lessons are unique. You have to embrace it as an amazingly dynamic relationship, in which you never stop learning. I pray for you to be broken and for you to realize the beauty of doing life with God. He’s still working on me and my submission comes and goes, but I know he won’t let me go and that excites me.
1 Comment
September 18, 2009 at 6:28 am
I am speechless ~ how amazing and convicting and beautiful at the same time!