Strength Through Weakness

Strength through Weakness

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Have you ever felt pushed outside your comfort zone? Moving from the Northwest to the South, I didn’t always understand the accents, the values, and the attitudes of those in my new area. I was used to the way things had been, and it was hard getting accustomed to my new world.

While it’s true that many Amish spend their lives farming as their ancestors have done for centuries, other Amish men are being pushed out of their typical trades and are being forced to work with outsiders. Amish farmers are having to face two hard realities: farmland has become much more costly, and the Amish style of low-tech farming simply doesn’t produce the same level of income it once did. As a result, many Amish men have been forced to work away from their farms at various other trades. It’s not uncommon to see Amish laborers working with heavy machinery or even operating computerized systems in their factory jobs.

Not only do Amish have to “venture out,” in order to provide for their families, other Amish families have opened their doors to the outside world through the tourist trade. Formerly quiet little Amish villages are now vacation destinations. Men engage in shop work and women in crafts for profit. They also open their shops—and sometimes their homes—to “Englishers” who are fascinated by their work and lifestyle.

The only thing certain in life is that change will come; at one time or another we will be forced to venture outside our comfort zones. As things change, we may feel uncomfortable and weak, but the good news is that Jesus meets us in our weakness. In fact, it’s through our weakness that His goodness and power shine.

Are you in an uncomfortable place in your life? Jesus will join you there. His power will make up for all your uncertainties. You can trust Him in that.

Dear heavenly Father, when I find myself moving to a place outside my comfort zone, help me to remember that You are already there and that Your power is greatest in all my weakness. Amen.