I was talking with my discussion group at my Fish Camp about defining moments in our lives. There was an array of major changes in people's lives that really were incredible. One girl in particular, we'll call her Kim, told us about a rough relationship that she had just recently gotten out of. When asked why that qualified as a monumental moment in her life, she responded with, "I'm stronger now. Nobody can hurt me that bad anymore."
That broke my heart, and Kim isn't the only one under that illusion.
We live in a consumerism-based culture that lauds success and power. It's all about me doing better, being more successful, and being strong enough to step up to the challenge. The only problem with that mindset is that it in itself is an endless cycle. You're always working to get to the next level, but you never achieve a the level of success that you are searching for. The truth is that men and women can be strong, but God is always stronger. We must choose not to rely on ourself, but instead we must choose to rely on our God.
You see that's what Kim didn't understand. Kim thought that her trials had prepared her for what she still had to face. Trials do build strength when they are endured, but it isn't enough to defeat the prince of this world. We often try to block out the truth that Satan is an all out war against mankind. It's warfare. The Word tells us that our strongest offense is a firm grasp on the Truth. As Christians, we know that we are broken people that won't ever be good enough or strong enough to stand up against the armies of darkness. But we also know that those armies have already been beaten. We know that Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection from the grave mean that we don't have to be good enough. Christ is supreme. We've been saved from a mindless religion that demands our subservience to a set of rules and a morally acceptable life.
Jeff Johnson sings a song entitled Stronger, look at the chorus below;
You are stronger. You are stronger.
Sin is broken, You have saved me.
It is written, Christ is risen.
Jesus, You are Lord of all.
This is the truth that Kim was missing out on. She won't ever be strong enough, but Christ already is. He just asked that we accept His open invitation. If you're trying to fight your own battles out desperation, despair, or pride I beg you to stop! Flee from those battles and run to the feet of Jesus, who is mighty to save.
Jesus, I am weak, but You, You are stronger.
Your brother,
-matt
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