In Weakness Is Power

Problems have about them,

Opportunities in deep disguise,

Positive thought’s a gem,

Over this challenge I will rise.

What holds me so far back,

Is not just what I see,

The source of my lack,

Is so often what’s within me!

Taking down the barrier,

Honestly revealing the block,

Forward runs the carrier,

The only limit’s the clock.

Without limit now in view,

In bringing this about,

Mind conceives what’s new,

And I think with joy throughout!

***

Having a stoic approach to life is sometimes its own mistake. We go too far in our strength, not drawing on God’s limitless power in our weakness.

Instead of going the stoic route, against our problems, we can just as easily step back a few paces. To gain perspective we most often need perspective. Stepping back just a little way from our problems affords us such primary perspective. Then we may be able to see from a more revelatory viewpoint.

It can be quite clichéd to consider that ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ etc. Those clichés can be taken so far out of context, and used so flippantly, they turn us off.

But our problems are closer to us, and our own material, than we realise. Could it be that a lot of our problems are created, or at least exacerbated, by our responses to these issues of soreness and vulnerability in our lives? Sometimes this is the case. And certainly where others might react differently, the problem at hand is revealing, perhaps yet again, one of our inherent flaws.

This is never a bad thing. It is a learning opportunity, if we will take it. That involves humility. Our problems have highlighted our default and perhaps faulty outlook, but we don’t have to remain there.

Taking down the barriers is about an honest appraisal of where the lack might reside within us. Admitting that we are weak in these ways, again, is never a bad thing. Indeed, it is the gateway of truth to strength, because we are reminded that the best of fights is fought by the Spirit of God. Our role is one of surrender; to get out of the way.

Any honest admission of weakness which combines with reliance on God’s strength is a demonstration of real faith. Faith is never easier, nor stronger in effect, than when we are honest before God. And with our weakness we need to combine positivity.

Being realistic yet unshakably positive is an expression of serious faith.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.