For years, I have prided myself on being the strong one. When faced with challenges, I love coming out on top. Time and time again, being strong means I am capable.

For years, I have looked at my dad as the strongest man I know. He has a quiet strength that encompasses who he is without any fanfare. I see my dad as always being present, able to conquer life and land on his feet, and a man who embodies everything I want to be when I grow up.

2 Cor 13-9

But I am learning, that being strong is not always a physical attribute, but a heart and soul characteristic. Being told we are strong, by those who love us or who observe us from the outside, happens because they perceive us as having it all together. But God teaches us the truth in His word. When we are weak, we are made strong and we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength. We take ownership of this truth when we acknowledge that it is God’s strength that has brought us to where we are today.

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These past few days have shown me again the beauty of God’s strength. A moment in time that gives you a glimpse of how fragile life really is reinforces that even in weakness there is strength. My dad is living this example right now. After falling and fracturing his hip a few days ago, I have witnessed the beauty of what strength really looks like.

I watch my dad, the strongest man I know, lying still in a hospital bed after surgery to repair the fractured hip. I see the same glimmer in his eyes and the same sharp mind that characterizes my dad. I watch a weak body hurting from pain, but one that is also so strong because he has let go of this weakness to make room for God’s strength.

My dad is strong because He allows God to cover his weakness with His strength. I am always learning from my earthly dad. The beauty in this current lesson is how his example points the way directly to our Heavenly dad. When we are faced with trials, we turn to God for our strength. He will guide is in the ways we need to go.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Phil. 4:12-13 NLT

My prayer today for myself and for you is that we admit when we are weak. It does not mean we are not capable. Instead, we are showing we are vulnerable and willing to accept help. May we remember our strength is in God and He gladly takes our weakness and lovingly replaces it with His strength.

We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 2 Cor. 13:9

With God’s strength, we can accept our weaknesses and make the space for His strength.

Mary

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