For a Little While
Transition to Transform
“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.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Throughout my journey in life, I have come to many intersections. Arriving at points of transition where a decision is made regarding the path I must take to align with God's call on my life. Sometimes this is as simple as going left or right. However, in most cases --or in the words of Michelle Obama-- it is deciding to go high when others go low.
Once in a while, I chose the right course of action, however many times I go off course. What is consistent in every choice is an unwavering commitment to "keep it moving." As simple as it sounds, these points of transition in our lives are filled with conflict and doubt that lead to suffering through the decisions that we or others make.
There is a popular phrase "we learn more from our mistakes than our successes." On the contrary, I choose to believe God when he said: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." For every mistake, a bad decision, or course derailment that I bounce back from our God is made strong. Furthermore, for every moment of trouble or state of suffering, I have experienced God's power in my life. For his word says, "... after you have suffered a little while, himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5: 10 -11
A little while. What does a little while of suffering mean in the context of an eternity of God's glory? What does a night of weeping mean in the context of fresh mercy and grace that are new every morning? I have learned to view my times of transition and suffering as an opportunity to lean on God. My knees feel as though they will give out on me at any moment, but my walk with the Lord has taught me to throw all of my weight onto him who is able. During these times of weakness, it is his power that transforms our transitions. And it is our praise that activates that power.
David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
1 Chronicles 29: 10 -14
Praise to Power
The power of praise is what made King David's name great. He defeated his enemies and overcame his enemies because he never seized to praise God. During times of weakness and victory, David offered up his best praise. In 1 Chronicles 29:10 he says "Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting."
Goliath was a threat for a little while.
Saul was a threat for a little while.
David's lust and manipulation was a threat for a little while.
But through it all, David lifted the name of the Lord. As believers, there will always be points of transition where we may suffer for a little while. But we must trust God and his power enough to praise him through it all. Through it all, we must praise God.