"Humble, Weak, or Strong?"


HUMBLE?
          People are not normally so humble.  So I am not sure why they suddenly morph into Mr. or Mrs. “Meek” when questioned regarding the impact they can make for God’s Kingdom.  Now, I guess a small portion of their response may be considered positive.  At least each person fully realizes that he or she as a mere fleshly mortal cannot accomplish much in the supernatural dimension without the assistance of a supernatural Being.  This much is definitely an accurate assessment of their capability. 
          Nevertheless, it falls remarkably short of “the truth and nothing but the truth.”  It is a portion of the truth but not the truth in its entirety.  Although we are so limited in our capacity by ourselves, we have an extraordinary capability for affecting the lives of others in Christ.  Gideon would soon discover this truth…in its entirety.  I hope each of us already have or will make the same discovery soon. 
 
WEAK OR STRONG?
          So are we, in reality, weak or strong?  The answer is “both.”  We are excruciatingly weak and frail when we depend solely on our own fallen, sinful, corrupted intellect, knowledge, strength, or abilities.  However, when we allow (or better yet, “seek”) God’s strength into our lives, then we could definitely and accurately assess our potential for victory as high indeed!  As a matter of fact, even though we seldom possess the faith to operate at this level, victory is assured. 
          If I was forced to narrow all of the verses in the Bible into an elite “top ten,” at least for this present time, I would include 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV), “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  The Apostle Paul is confirming the existence of numerous troubles in his life.  Nevertheless he fully understands at the time he recognizes his own weaknesses, limitations, and frailty, he begins to rely upon, trust in, and seek after God’s strength, which is far “stronger” than his own.  So, quite ironically, he actually becomes stronger in his weak moments or fragile periods of time.  Put that on your feet and run with it!   
 
CONCLUSION
          Gideon, like us, when called into service first questions God’s handling of the affairs of the world in general and in his own personal life.  “If you are such a great and loving God, why did these things happen?  Why were you MIA when I needed you?”  Subsequently our next step is to question God’s assessment of our own capabilities for truly accomplishing anything remarkable.  “You want me to do WHAT?  I am too weak, busy, tired, mad, frustrated (take your pick).  I am full of doubt and fear and insecurities.  I have physical problems and am an emotional basket case.  I have no gifts or talents.  I am not a leader.  I am shy.  I have done this or that before in my life (guilt).  I am too depressed.  I am unlovable.  I am wounded.  There are many others more capable than me.  I am too fat, too skinny, too short, too tall, too old, too young.”  Yada-da-da-da-da-da!  
          We question God.  We question God’s plan or purpose for us.  We question our own capabilities to change the world.  We doubt God, and we doubt whether God can and will use us.  We have a thousand questions, a million excuses, and a billion reasons for not fulfilling our destiny.  What’s yours?