Pause

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.

Listen

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Mark 6:10-13

Think

At my school everybody learns something called the 8 Great Ways to Get Along. The list starts with “Talk it over.” Then “Listen.” Then comes “Share,” and “Take turns,” and “Ask for help.”

One of the 8 Great Ways is “Walk away.” It’s not the first one, but it’s on the list for a reason. Sometimes you try talking with someone and it just doesn’t work. No matter who you are, not everyone is going to like you or agree with you all the time.

Jesus told his disciples that if anyone rejected them, they should walk away and take their message somewhere else. That might have looked like weakness at the time, but it made them stronger. They walked away from pointless arguments. That freed them up to do their work of healing and teaching where it would do the most good.

Sarah Turner

Pray

Holy Spirit, help me know when to keep trying and when to walk away. Guide me to where I can do my best work with you. Amen.

Go

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.