FAITH AND WEAKNESS

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." (I Corinthians 26-30).

I've always wanted to conduct a survey on the following question: What is the hardest aspect of your walk with Christ?

I often wonder what others struggle with the most? Is it doubt or greed? Lust? Pride? Insecurity? Busyness? Worry?

For me, it is discouragement. Even after walking with the Lord for 20 years, I battle daily to remain encouraged in the Lord. How I wish I were different—stronger, more assured. Yet, whether it's my temperament or personality, my upbringing or fallen flesh (most likely a combination of all of these), the truth is I often find it difficult to feel the joy of the Lord.

I was recently reading a book that listed several verses where Christ had healed people "according to their faith." The study seemed to imply that physical healing was a direct result of the measure of each one's faith. Of course, I began to bristle because I've suffered extremely harsh medical problems for the last several years, and the passage made me wonder if I was somehow lacking.

That thought prompted to me reread Hebrews 11—the great "hall of fame" of the faithful. And I was relieved to find that as I reviewed the expressions of faith demonstrated by the saints of old, not one example of physical healing was mentioned. Proof of faith had more to do with obedience, sacrifice, and believing the word of God, despite the trials of life, with an attitude of long-term perseverance rather than expectation of immediate answered prayer.

I am not suggesting that healing does not result from faith, but simply that when physical healing does not take place, it is not a qualifier of the depth of one's faith.

Is there room for the weak of heart in God's Kingdom? I Corinthians surely implies that there is. For it is our weaknesses that "showcase" the glory of God's power. Even for those of us who find it difficult to keep pressing forward in bold confidence, the fact that we continue to press on at all may speak volumes of faith to a spiritual realm of observers that we cannot perceive right now.

"For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men." (I Corinthians 4:8-10).

So where does that leave the "faint-hearted?" Instead of trying to muster up a strength that we do not possess, perhaps our response should simply be a petition, asking the Lord to encourage us despite our weakness.

What is the hardest aspect of your walk with Christ? If you would like to share, please feel free to send in your comment.

Dear Lord,

I confess that I am weak. So often I struggle with discouragement, fear and doubt. My circumstances and trials wear me down and deplete my ability to be a bold witness of Your love. I pray that You would fill me with Your power to overcome this weakness—to conquer the battle of defeat in my mind and make of me a conqueror, filled with joy, to Your glory. For "the joy of the Lord is our strength." (Nehemiah 8:10).