He's Strong, I'm Weak

"For by grace you have been saved and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast."--Ephesians 2:8-9

This pursuit of health. For you, maybe it's another day in the gym, looking at that same row of dumbbells. Or maybe it's walking another lap around the familiar track with the expected turns. Maybe you're in rehab following surgery or perhaps you've been hit with an unexpected illness. In any case, picking up the weight or the pace are the keys to change, improvement, maintenance or recovery. More, again. Again, some more. You huff and puff...(rough). Folks, aren't we glad Heaven doesn't require the same?

Let's face it, we're just not strong enough, fast enough, good enough. Fortunately, Jesus lifted our heaviest burden and walked the steepest hill. We can stop fighting a fight He's already won. In fact, the next time you're struggling to lift yesterday's dumbbell with a body designed to weaken, or you're trying to keep your previous pace with steadily slowing legs, take a second and smile. Go ahead. Just grin and shake your head. Let it remind you of just how small and weak you are, and just how big and able He is. I admit, whenever I do that, I seem to be a little stronger and a little bit faster. I don't know. Maybe it's because I realize He's only put me in charge of something that requires my effort.

--Jimmy Peña

For Discussion: Doesn't Friday feel like the right time to realize our smallness? The deep sigh I just gave as I typed that sentence says it all for me. I sure do thank you for your faithful reading, your prayers for me and for each other, for the testimonies and stories you share each week, and for the joy you bring me each day. I thank the good Lord for you each night and day. Hope you have a good weekend. Please pray for me as I prepare for my Pepperdine speech on Tuesday. Keep growing in grace. - JP