01-19-2008

Strength in Weakness

By Renae

My weary mind reminds me of the cold days yet to come and distracts me from my list of chores. It is easier to do nothing than face the dishevelled garage, or the pile of mending. I feel like the goldfinches desperately eating to stay warm, but some grains I ponder do not satisfy. As birds flit about consuming seeds, I wonder what will warm my soul on this bleak day?

Jannsens de Warebeke, A Dreamy Girl by a Bird Cage, 1854-1930

Through my freezing thoughts, a promise is remembered.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Yes, I am weak. Why do I try so hard do deny it? I want to be capable and confident, polished and perfect, sensible and strong. Through my numbed stupor, I pray. Can melancholy be replaced with joy? I may never become the woman I long to be, but I cannot, will not, quit trying.

Then again, gently, I hear,

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Power in weakness. Perfect sufficiency. Strength in grace. It all seems so backwards, yet these seeds nourish my famished soul. Christ is my sufficiency. His grace is enough. Weakness is my testimony to the glory of God. With the Apostle Paul, I proclaim,

I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 1 Corinthians 12:9

Related posts:

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  3. Watch the Walls

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18 Comments

  1. Melissa 01-19-2008, 8:11 am

    Great post! Honestly, I wish I could stay under the covers till spring. This cold is very despairing!! I’m going to remember your verse today :)
    Blessings,
    Melissa

  2. Miiko 01-19-2008, 9:55 am

    Thank you for the lovely post and I love the picture of the girl by the bird cage. The Christian life is indeed paradoxical. The more you give, the more you receive. The moment you think you are humble, you are prideful. Jesus had to die so we can live. And there is true strength only in acknowledged weakness. Here in the south, the days are not that depressing, but I know I need the Son in whatever clime or weather…a blessed weekend, my friend. Miiko

  3. Renae 01-19-2008, 10:34 am

    Melissa,
    Yes, cuddling in bed with a good book sounds great to me. I’m sure my kids would enjoy that, too. Maybe Monday will be read-in-bed day!

    Miiko,
    I do live in the South. :) It really isn’t the cold that gets to me as much as the brown. My attitude has matched the dormant landscape lately, I’m afraid. Thankfully, I have a Savior whose love is warm and bright.

    Thank you for your thoughtful comment. A blessed weekend to you, as well.

  4. MooBeeMa 01-20-2008, 6:38 pm

    This post is so soothing. It is a balm to my soul. Thank you.

  5. Dana 01-20-2008, 10:57 pm

    Wonderful post, Renae. It is difficult to remember sometimes that we are not the ones in control.

  6. Marn 01-21-2008, 1:32 am

    Im blessed with your post Renae! I love this verse too! Christ is our strength. And His grace is always sufficient to sustain us! Glory be His name forever! Blessings to you my dear. I miss you. hope to hear from you again.
    Marn
    http://www.homelife.blogsome.com
    http://www.iamforeterity.blogspot.com

  7. Emily SHS 01-21-2008, 11:04 am

    Wonderful post. Sometimes we have those days when we need to rely on Christ . . .and not ourselves . . great word!

  8. Renae 01-21-2008, 11:37 am

    Thank you all for your encouragement. This post surprised my husband. He thought I was too sad, but I assured him other moms would relate. Thanks for letting me know I was right. :)

    May God bless you with wisdom as you rely on him.

  9. Hadias 01-21-2008, 12:53 pm

    Your post mirrors the sentiment that I had earlier this week and would you knwo that God led me to the very same scripture. And last night when I shared my burden with my husband, he to quoted me the same scripture.

    God is an awesome God.

  10. Jennifer in OR 01-22-2008, 8:46 pm

    Renae, thank you.

  11. Melinda 01-22-2008, 9:40 pm

    What a beautiful and uplifting post! I feel the same way you do! This really uplifted me today!

  12. Jodi 01-22-2008, 10:27 pm

    Thank you, Renae.
    I often feel like my striving to become “the woman I long to be” is not working, but the reminder that He shines through our weaknesses is comforting. I so appreciate your transparency as you share your heart with us. Love you!

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  15. Frank Creed 01-24-2008, 2:14 pm

    Good timing for this one. I too have been weary of late. Day job, family, promoting my first novel, word-count goals for a sequel–it gets overwhelming fast.

    I think of the Footprints in the Sand poem, and thank the Boss for carrying my finite, fallen butt.

    To God be the glory,
    Frank Creed–novelist & founder of the Lost Genre Guild

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  17. Starr LaPradd 03-7-2008, 11:46 am

    I’m so glad I am not the only one who has days like that! Today is particularly dreary around my neck of the woods and I am still in my pjs at 12:46. Alas, You have inspired me!
    Blessings,
    Starr

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