But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
“My, you are strong person. I certainly admire your strength.” If a compliment like that happens to come to you as a follower of Jesus in the midst of trouble or trials, remember that it’s only a partial truth. Yes, we may show flashes of great strength in dark and desperate times—but it’s not our strength. For those who battle daily with chronic pain or physical disabilities, the reminders of our weakness are even more stark; we can never really forget how powerless we are. But that’s good!
In today’s Scripture, Paul describes the cross of Christ as the “power of God.” And weakness—that is, the empty-handed spiritual poverty that happens when we’re down for the count with nowhere else to turn—that kind of weakness is the very key to God’s power in our lives. It’s why the cross cannot be merely taught or reasoned. It must be experienced.
Lord, what a transaction this is! I confess my sins, and You impart forgiveness. I acknowledge my poverty, and You bestow riches. I yield my weakness, and You give me strength far beyond my own. I come to You now, freely admitting that my physical and emotional reservoirs have run dry. I need Your river of life flowing fast and strong through me.
