MARCH 26, 2012
Avenue To Power
Read: Psalm 98
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. —Psalm 98:4
When Tarah was in high school, she had a growing fear that
she would someday battle a serious illness. So she began
to pray—asking God to spare her from this imagined illness.
Then she reached a turning point in her thinking, and she
yielded her future to God no matter what.
Years later, Tarah’s doctor found a cancerous tumor, which
was successfully treated with chemotherapy. Tarah says
that because she had entrusted her future to God, she was
ready when the disease came. Her problem became an
avenue for God’s strength.
This idea of surrendering to God can be seen in Paul’s life
as well. His surrender came after the problem—“a thorn in
the flesh”—had developed (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul prayed
repeatedly about this difficulty, pleading for the Lord to
take it from him. But God responded, “My grace is sufficient
for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (v.9).
Understanding this, Paul adopted a positive view: “Most
gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power
of Christ may rest upon me. . . . For when I am weak, then
I am strong” (vv.9-10).
In facing our fears and struggles, it’s vital that we yield
totally to God. When we do, God can use our problems
as an avenue for His power.
Whenever life’s burdens oppress you And trials are too
much to face, Remember God’s strength in your weakness;
He’ll give you His power and grace. —Sper
Wielding our power is no substitute for yielding our will
to God’s power.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
