It's hard to imagine that anyone would choose to be weak over being powerful. But the way of Jesus sometimes calls us to do exactly that, with the understanding that somehow in our weakness we have the greatest impact.
Consider now your strengths and your weaknesses, and wonder which of these actually holds the greatest potential in your journey of faith.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.
Mark 6:6b-9
I think I’ll try to predict the next World Series winner by choosing the team with the coolest uniforms. Then I’ll pick the holiest church in my city by finding the one with the tallest steeple. After that, maybe I’ll head to the library and read only the books with the prettiest covers. Good idea?
Jesus knew that people can be fooled by appearances. That’s one of the reasons he sent his disciples out without much stuff. He didn’t want people to believe in them because they looked rich. He wanted people to pay attention to their message. Instead of loading them down with money and things, he gave them the power to heal and to bring good news. And it worked.
Very few of us can be the coolest, the tallest, or the prettiest. But all of us can bring something important to the world.
Sarah Turner
God, forgive me when I get distracted by appearances. Help me be open to your surprising power working in my life. Amen.
Now as you journey into this day
Go understanding that it is not you, after all,
Who is powerful.
Any weakness you know only opens the door
For God's power to become evident,
And weakness to become your greatest strength.