I met Tim a few weeks ago in a local store. He is 25 years old, and when he was a young teenager, he had an accident and suffered brain damage. He is unable to walk properly, or move one side of his body, and his speech isn’t always clear. Many people might consider him a “weak” person, and I have seen the way some have looked at him with uncertainty and discomfort in their eyes. Yet, if you spend a few moments talking to Tim, you realize that despite his disability, he is an incredible young man. He is bright, intelligent, warm and very funny. He is a delight to talk with, and I love hanging out with him. He always has a wide smile, and a joke, and all those who know him have a special place in their heart for him.
He recently told me that he and his family are Christians, and “Christians”, he said, “are always happy.” Despite the fact that his body doesn’t work properly, and his life is limited and frustrating in so many ways, he is always upbeat, and full of joy, like a breath of fresh air in a dark, stuffy room. To me, he is a perfect example of God’s strength showing up best in weak people. In fact, not only God’s strength, but His love, His warmth and even His laughter! Tim has a gift for being able to relate to people really well, and to bring a sense of fun and optimism to every situation! What a privilege it is, to see the warmth of God’s character, beautifully displayed in the broken body of a 25 year old, whose spirit and smile radiate such life and strength in the midst of such disability.
The world we live in tells us that we have to be strong and even ‘perfect’ to be accepted, but God says it’s OK to be weak. His power and character show up best in the people who need him the most - the poor, the humble, and the broken. You and I may not have broken bodies, like Tim, but maybe some other part of us has been damaged or hurt inside, leaving us weak and vulnerable, and feeling we are no good, struggling with other kinds of disabilities or habits that make us feel trapped and frustrated. Maybe we have been rejected, or judged because of failures and mistakes. Maybe we have been given an uncomfortable look by others that tell us we don’t belong. If that is the case, then there is good news! God’s strength and character will show up best in you! God hasn’t called perfect people to show the world what he is like, but rather the simple, the sick, and the sinners. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1: 27 -28 that God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong, and the lowly and the despised to invalidate or reverse the things that the world values. The world values independence, beauty, health, financial success, and material possessions. God values humility, integrity, patience, generosity and dependence on him.
The apostle, Paul, who is one of the greatest figures of the New Testament, had a weakness which he referred to as his ‘thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) God promised him that in the midst of the weakness and frustration which this “thorn” produced, he would find God’s power all the more present. He went on to say that he delighted in weakness so that Christ’s power would rest on him! God’s power and presence is most available to us, when we are weak. I think this is because God designed us to be dependent on him, rather than on ourselves, others, or other external factors. It is often only in our weakest times, that we are ready to fully depend on God, and only then that his power can fully rest on us!
My friend Tim is not dependent on his physical body, or a good job or a high income to be happy and fulfilled. He is dependent on God, and the hope he has inside, and I know for a fact that this hope and strength inside of him has been a witness to many people in our community. If you’re struggling with weakness right now, you’re in good company. God isn’t found in the strong, the wealthy, or the independent, but in those who can acknowledge that they are broken and in need of him. I pray his power and presence may rest on us, so that we too can display his character, love and even his laughter, and give a reason for the hope we have inside, just like Tim.
Prayer: Father, thank you that your strength shows up best in weak people. Help me to accept and be honest about the areas of weakness in my life, so that I may depend on you, and your power may rest on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Anne Herridge -
