Life is complicated. That’s part of what makes every day so meaningful. It’s also why I have chosen to take this journey in partnership with God, as a follower of Jesus. After all, making this kind of allegiance with the Source of all Creation only makes sense.
That’s why this morning’s scripture spoke so powerfully. I had just poured a mug of coffee to share with Rebekah, and I turned to the morning reading from The Upper Room devotional guide. Here’s what we read:
The Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“You’re kidding?” Rebekah said. “That’s really the verse for this morning? It’s only my favorite passage of all time!”
Well, yes, it really was the reading we “stumbled across” as the day got started. And, yes, it really has been Rebekah’s theme ever since she was first (and repeatedly) told, “No, you’re a girl/woman, and you can’t do that!” (As a child, at university, at seminary, and during ministry…)
But it has been our experience, consistently, that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. And, as Rebekah rolled out of the driveway to head toward Wake Forest Presbyterian Church for her first day as senior pastor/head of staff, it was exactly the correct message to have at the center of her heart, her soul, her mind, her intention.
God’s grace is sufficient; God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. This is the initial trajectory for us here at Wake Forest, and it’s a direction we must maintain. It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus. It’s not about what we/Rebekah can do, it’s about what God will do through us. It’s not about Rebekah’s strength, it’s about God’s power. It’s not about what we might have the skills to achieve, it’s about what God intends to use us to accomplish.
And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. (1 John 5:14-15 – The Message)
Please pray for Rebekah, and for Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. In confidence, in hope, and in God’s kind of strength – DEREK