Brokenness

It sometimes surprises me what comes out of the mouth, unintentionally, from someone. This week I put together some baby furniture, as I had the time before Ryan came to the house to visit for the first time. While I was rejoicing in my efforts, thinking this a wise decision, other's were looking at it as their failure. Failure to do the job, even though plenty of time and opportunity had passed to get it done. My intention was not to show anyone up, place blame or make any unkind statement about the job not being done, but to see to our new grandsons comfort. It was good that Bill checked it over, tightening everything to be sure it was done correctly. I did not take offense to that, and he did find one screw that needed adjustment.

The old expression, "your damned if you do and damned if you don't" applies. It was easier when woman sat in their pretty dresses and let their man do everything for them, so he could be complimented on his abilities, as we see from the old movies on television.

Understanding your boundaries, can often improve the relationship between a husband and wife. Even though a woman can do much of what a man can do today, in this society, and that goes both ways, is it wise? Men are competent in the kitchen, with children, and also do laundry. So whats the big deal? Much! A man has "the conditioning" or need to want to be the strong one, while they "expect" a woman to be the weaker sex, when it comes to tools. It doesn't always work that way. While a man needs to boast of his strength, woman are acknowledged today as equal counterparts.

The Epistle Reading of today, made a lot of sense. (2Cor. 11:31-12:9 St. Paul to the Corinthians). 12:5 "yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, least anyone should think of me about what he sees me to be or hears from me."

Paul reveals that he is given a "thorn in the flesh." This was given by a messenger of Satan to "buffet me," lest he should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations.

Sometimes, what you say and do is not well received by others, unknowingly. It seems we are always at odds with something or another, stumbling, suffering and realizing our shortcomings and weaknesses. The question is how will we respond? Turning it over to God, we find the answer.

(Vs.9 2Cor 12)"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul continues, (11)"Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

(Philippians 2:13) "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

Your "weakness", may be a plan of opportunity to help yourself and others. We are weak but He is strong. No matter what the need, healing from sickness, or even death, Jesus is the only answer. We must learn to humble ourselves and seek Him for the answer. Weak is good! Let go and let God, His will not ours.