Weakness

Lack of strength? That I cannot manage things on my own?

How would you define weakness? Or let me put in a better way for you. What are the many ways you try to conceal your weakness?

I don't like to show people that I am weak. I don't want to take help when I am struggling. I don't want any advice. Thank you very much! The world crowns the one who is strong; the one who is an undertaker. But everyday, it is a humble reminder of how weak I really am.

We are so wired to be self-reliant, self-dependent, and self-sufficient that seeking any kind of help seems demeaning. But the fact of the matter is that if I am human then I am really weak.

The bible says that we are of the dust. (Genesis 3:19b).  God knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103) Hah, if I only recalled that DAILY!!

Everyday when I wake up in the morning, I need strength to carry on doing what I must. Grace to see myself as God sees and humbly acknowledges my true frailty and weakness. Then and only then, I will cry out to Him for help! Help to fight my sin on a minute by minute basis, help to be cheerful in the midst of impending uncertainty, help to always to look at Christ.

So, is weakness good? For me it is, as it draws me to Christ who is reliable, dependable and all sufficient!

 ^“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

Friends

A good friend is rare to find. A best friend is for keeps. This is one thing I have learned in this God-given life of mine that friends are God's best gifts to us.

No wonder it says in the Bible," Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17) God's gifts are good and perfect and it does not lack in anything. Wow. 

Friends bring joy into our lives, hold you up when you stumble or fall. They are patient with your weaknesses and compassionate in our failings. A true friend will stay with you through every change of season. In the recent years, I have come to appreciate friends in a better light. 

No wonder, Jesus said, " My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:12-15)

Thank God for friends! :)

Simply Garfield

Summer is here

Make the most of it!