The bones of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. I Samuel 2:4 

Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

God’s view of things is quite different from the usual view that the world has. Certainly it would be odd to hear someone say: “I am content with insults and calamities,” Not something most of us would say. So why can Paul say he is content rather than upset and depressed? Let’s see what two mothers have to say.  

In I Samuel, we have a verse from the middle of Hannah’s prayer. Much like Mary, many generations later, Hannah prays about God’s support for those that society often terms weak and unimportant. Hannah has waited for a child for many years. Now, she is a mother, and dedicates that child at the temple. Mary is much younger, not yet married, and is told she is to have a child – God’s son. IN her song, the Magnificat, she too sings about how God has cast down the mighty and lifted up the lowly.

God reverses human conditions, bringing low the wicked, and raising up the righteous. Paul can truly be content with whatever happens – whether weakness, or insult, or infirmities – because God makes us strong. With God all things are possible, even in the face of what the world sees as human weakness. 

Dear God, source of our strength, we are grateful that in our weakness we learn to depend on you. Jesus, help us to stand up for you with the strength that you alone can give us. Forgive us when we forget that we can turn to you with any challenge, hardships or frustrations.  Help us to be strong in our faith as a testimony for you! In your name, we pray. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party