THAT’S NOT WHO I AM
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.” 2 Corinthians 13:4, ESV
Theme: Fear, weakness, failure, and even death don’t define us when we live with Jesus by the power of God!
ILLOGICAL
Fear is often the unpleasant worry or uncertainty that exists ahead of a possible, but not guaranteed, occurrence. There are also varying degrees of worry (some of which seem trivial when looking back). When I was a young child, I have a distinct memory of standing in front of the mirror trying to put my new earrings back in my ears after I went swimming. After many unsuccessful attempts, my mother came in and easily helped me put them in. I recall “worrying” there would be nobody to help me with my earrings when I was all grown up and didn’t live at home anymore. I guess I thought I’d just never be able to wear earrings again. It would be over for me. Little did I know the “real” worries that would lie ahead in adulthood.
At each stage of life, we find new and seemingly justified fears. They usually deal with weakness, failure, and how they will define us. What if I fail this class and don’t graduate or get into college? What if I never find Mr. or Mrs. Right? What if I can’t have children? What if my child gets sick or hurt? What if I get sick or hurt or die? What if I lose my job and can’t pay the bills? What if someone betrays my trust and this relationship fails? Beyond my minor fear over my earrings, there are real life issues!
REMINDERS
I recall hearing a service about Lent one year during the Easter season. As the Pastor was talking about fasting, repentance, and remembrance, he reminded us that any pang or desire for what we gave up should be the very reminder to pray and reflect. The unpleasant feeling of unfulfilled worldly desire should be the very thing that brings us to prayer and thankfulness. We should look at fear and weakness the same way: as an emotion that immediately drives us to God. He did not intend for us to carry the burden of fear or failure alone. It’s when we are the weakest that we will seek him with greater fervency.
Fear, failure, troubles or illnesses are not punishments, or a means God uses to “keep us on our toes.” Rather, they should be reminders that God is faithful and just. He will use whatever situation He’s bringing you through to demonstrate His love and provision. Just as Jesus’ death brought glory to God and rescue to us, God will use our weakness to bless us and glorify Himself!
Make it Personal: Do you find that you pray more often and with greater passion in the darkest of days? You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. When the world is full of sunshine and roses, it’s easy for me to move throughout my “easy” day. But, when the storms come and my mind is littered with fear or when I am facing failure, my prayer life is on a different level. I pray with passion, honesty, desperation, surrender, and hope. Today, consider the things that cause you worry and strife. Rather than allowing fear and failure to consume you, immediately turn to God in prayer. Ask Him to calm you, give you faith in Him, and find comfort that He will provide…as He always does.
Pray: God, fear is something I allow because of uncertainties in my life. Fear of failure specifically can cripple me. I pray that each and every time worry creeps into my mind, You will remind me to come to Your throne with my cares. I know that You are in control, and that all things will work according to Your plan and not mine. I know we can live by the power of Christ in us through the Spirit. Give me the strength to endure what may be ahead with the confidence that You are with me. Allow me to be Your light to others who may be going through a dark season. I want to be Your disciple, so they may come to know the comfort and rest only found in You. Amen.
Read: Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 34:4-5; Psalm 56:3-4; Isaiah 41:13
Weekly Memory Verse: “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” Proverbs 24:16, ESV