Strength and weakness

In a paradoxical way, Jesus’ strength was shown in his weakness, and that’s good news for us. I think of the great scene where the woman with the flow of blood touched Jesus’ garment and was healed. He felt power go out from him. Jesus didn’t have to do anything. He was simply himself, and the power of God overflowed into the lives of those around him.

We minister to others simply by being who we are–men and women with our own strengths and weaknesses striving to love and serve the Lord as best we can. We don’t have to change for God to love us and work through us.

As ministers of Christ’s gospel, and in some ways we are all ministers of the gospel, in service of Christ and the people of God, it’s important that we let ourselves be ministered to, because ministry is mutual. Maybe you are discovering this to be true for yourself. Christian service does not come from a place of superiority, but from one of mutuality.

As for the apostles, so too for ourselves–Jesus’ presence guides us, consoles us, challenges us, brings fruitfulness to our life and our work, and helps us to endure the inevitable hardships we encounter in our following of Christ–all with joy. As the Psalmist says, “Taste and see how good the Lord is. Blessed the one who takes refuge in him.”