Irony

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  – Philippians 4:13

A traditional walk of faith is full of irony. For example, when the apostle Paul asked God to remove a great affliction in his life, God responds, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  What?  Weakness is actually the path to strength in God’s economy!?

And what could Jesus possibly have meant when He stood before His questioning disciples and prayed “I thank you, Father Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to the little children” (Matthew 11:25). It is amazing but true, God frustrates the wise by revealing Himself to the humble.    

The greatest irony of all is that the Creator of life itself sacrificed His own life to rescue creation. His sacrifice provides humans with the opportunity to live a vibrant life in faith because none of His power to save a life depends on your wisdom or effort! Do you believe everything God desires to accomplish in your life is fully fueled by His sufficiency? Imagine starting this new year releasing control of your circumstances, allowing God to do something you could never have done without Him. Consider a year of walking by faith instead of setting comfortable goals!  

During these days of turmoil and transition on Earth, pray that God’s people will humbly look to Him for power and heavenly direction. Ask that a generation will rise, working in His grace, perhaps working in Congress, giving Him glory for the good things He is doing as a testimony of faith to a worried and watching world.