Welcomed In Our Weakness

Yesterday during worship I had this sense that people struggle to enter into worship because of their feelings of weakness, sinfulness or inadequacy.  I was thinking how interesting it is that the Lord doesn’t require our polished up and all-put-together selves, but rather invites us to turn towards Him in our weakness and imperfections.  

While reflecting on this, I was reminded of Paul’s writing about his weakness and thorn found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV:

[9] “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This is such an unprideful statement, it's actually painful to me to even contemplate having this mindset.  I don’t want to be weak!  And yet, look at what Paul has discovered, when He is weak, God is strong, and His power rests on Paul.  I would greatly prefer to be strong and have God’s power rest on me! 

I think its safe to say that most of us would struggle with these statements for ourselves.  It is ok, if someone else is walking through such a season, but certainly isn’t something we would want, and certainly not something we would delight in!  

In Jesus' sermon on the Mount He speaks about those that are poor in spirit, and I think this is exactly that.  In fact I want to quote these beatitudes, for they are beautiful and challenging - Matthew 5:3-12 NIV:

[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

[4] Blessed are those who mourn, 

for they will be comforted. 

[5] Blessed are the meek, 

for they will inherit the earth. 

[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 

for they will be filled.

[7] Blessed are the merciful, 

for they will be shown mercy. 

[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, 

for they will see God. 

[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they will be called children of God. 

[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

[11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

To quote a song written by Misty Edwards, it seems like “it's an inside-out, upside-down kingdom”.  Jesus’ teaching must have really caused a stir, for this isn’t the way we think it should be!  We want strength and power to be given to the strong and healthy.  We want the rich and powerful to inherit the earth, etc. 

Paul’s statement, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” seems to fit well into this inside-out, upside down Kingdom.  Paul was expressing his spiritual poverty, his weakness.  The reality is that God doesn’t reject us in our weakness, He embraces us and strengthens us, for that is what Paul is really saying! 

Going back to my reflection during worship, I feel there is a real invitation from the Lord to come as we are in worship!  No need to polish up, or look good, no need to put on airs, to look and act our best, to make sure everything has been confessed, or whatever else we might be thinking!  

He understands all our weaknesses!

He sees our sins!

He knows our thoughts!

And He still welcomes us and desires for us to come to Him!  He loves us in all our weakness, dirt and shame!  He will not turn us away because of our filth and sorrow, sickness or pain.  He wants to meet us, touch us and heal us!  

As I was writing this, I was reminded of when my granddaughter was hurt by my dog (which thought it was playtime and is 100lbs).  She was upset and crying and just wanted to be held and comforted. I didn’t require her to put on a brave face, or get her act together, in fact her woundedness caused my compassion to well up!

I am reminded of God’s proclamation of who He is to Moses, found in Exodus 34:6 NIV:

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,” 

I like to think that the order He spoke is the order in which we encounter Him, and first is His compassion!  He knows us, knows everything about us, and is moved by this compassion. It seems that anytime it's noted that Jesus was compassionate, He was moved to act!  

So, this morning I am encouraged to come to the Lord in my weakness, in my sinfulness, in my struggles, fears and inadequacy!  I am encouraged because He loves me, knows me, and had compassion on me!  He wants me to recognize that in my weakness He IS Strong!  He does not reject me, instead He can fill me and use me!   

I am not to the place of delighting in my weakness, but I am certainly rejoicing in the fact that the Lord can and does work through me!

Oh Lord, help us to accept this invitation to come to You in our weakness, in our present state, in poor spirits, knowing that You will meet us exactly where we are!

Amen!