Lenten Reflection
Did I hear you say am not that weak because I know who I am, for am already walking in victory and powers? Baptised in the Holy Ghost? So I don’t need this. Hmmm! Just listen to the words of Saint Paul, “…Let him who thinks he stands firm beware….” 1 Cor. 10:12.
Listen here, it is the one who is humble enough to realise his weaknesses, and truly seeks that will get the help that comes from God (cf. Lk. 18:13).
Acceptance of one’s weakness in humility and putting same in the hands of the Lord is an act of total dependence and submission to God (Mt. 26:39,42). It is not a sign of failure, not at all. If it were then Jesus was a failure. Was he?
Even the bold and mighty Elijah, whom Sirach in chapter 48:1-11 described as one whose words were like a burning fire, who brought famine on the land, shut the heavens from raining, called down fire on three occasions, had his own moments of weakness. He ran. Not from all things but a woman – Jezebel. I still wonder why though. He ran with this seemingly weakness of his (which for some was utter rubbish judging from the power he had) into the safest of all hands – God. He even asked for death but the almighty had other plans for this weak servant .
Saint Paul even boast of his weakness. Wai!!! Can you even imagine that. For he said the power of God is at its best in weakness (2 Cor.12:9).
Do you know that your weaknesses are blessings in disguise? Your glory in Christ Jesus lies hidden in them. If only if you can from the depths of your hearts be humble enough to realize and accept this and offer them to God you will see how God will manifest himself in them. The cross is a vivid example, it brought for us our eternal salvation – a place where the Lord Jesus cried, “Father, why hast thou forsaken me.”
So don’t be ashamed of your weaknesses. Bring them to the Lord. Put them in his hands and see what he will do with them. Remember the story of the feeding of the five thousand men with five loaves and two fish in John 6? Like that small boy just put it n the hands of Jesus.
Why not sing today “my hope is built on nothing less…”. Pray too with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Don’t forget Ps. 16,121 and the second chapter of prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.