Jesus Christ is Stronger!
Ok, here’s the truth. I was a really skinny kid. To look at me now you wouldn’t know it, but my arms were like pipe cleaners and my legs like pick-up sticks. Really. I was embarrassed at swimming parties and felt ashamed to wear my basketball jersey ‘cause my shoulders could barely keep the straps up. I remember going to picnics and participating in tug-o-wars with futility. A close personal friend who was as strong as I was weak could grip my wrists and slap me silly with my own hands. I know the feeling of physical weakness and it is very uncomfortable.
Way back then I could never have admitted what I have just shared with you. I think the reason I can easily do so now is that I have discovered a weakness far more distressing than a physical one; I have observed the weakness of my soul. I am daily less than God instructs me to be and continually miss the mark in what I long to be for Christ. If only I could experience the virtue that my spirit longs to express. I deeply desire to demonstrate more grace and patience. I grieve the absence of holiness and the presence of unchristian thoughts. Things like revenge and recognition, contentment and control, stuff I am not supposed to struggle with, I do. Not like I used to, but still . . . Bottom line: I am growing and changing and making progress but when I see the goal and see myself . . . I am weak.
Do you relate? Ready for some good news? . . .
Jesus Christ is stronger!
Stronger than my fears about the future or my shame over a past that cannot be altered though I wish so much I could do some things differently.
Stronger than my tired prayers with well worn phrases and weary pleas.
Stronger than my need to know now, and have the trial terminated.
Stronger than the enemy of my soul who would discourage me with my own failings and disillusion me with the faults of others.
I had an experience with God last week. A powerful one. I was getting ready to address the convocation at Liberty University. I was on the platform in front of more than 10,000 students and parents. Travis Doucette, one of our young Harvest worship leaders, led a song, a worship chorus from Hillsong I had never heard before. It’s called Stronger. It took me apart. Such a simple truth—Jesus Christ is Stronger. “Stronger than what,” you ask? Stronger than whatever would cause you doubt or discouragement today. I listened to the song again this morning alone in my office at home. The words filled my soul and forced my hands into the air in heartfelt worship. Tears fell on my blotter, as a broad smile filled my face. Jesus Christ is stronger! YES, He is!!
Categorized as: Christian Life, From James
