Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. – 2 Corinthians 12:10

You got something … everybody's got something like broken bones, mean parents, teachers who get jazzed by handing out a ton of homework (and on a holiday weekend no less). Some of you really got something, maybe even something you've never talked to anyone about. The reality is that no matter how hurt or weak we become, a Christ-follower can count on the power and strength of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to pull us through the tough times.

The apostle Paul new this more than anyone; he got beaten, accused, harassed, and just plain whipped for following Christ. But he learned, just like you can learn, that when he was the most tired, the most beat up, the most teased, Christ came and took over and turned those bad things in to strength of character, perseverance, and one of the most influential writers of all time. At our weakest, Christ is the strongest.

It's a paradox—it doesn't make sense. How can our weakness through painful events in our lives actually help us to be our strongest? It's easy. When you know Christ, and have a personal relationship with him, then at your weakest moments you will reach out to Jesus and he will give you strength. That's when Christ pours his grace into your life, because you've gone beyond yourself and trusted Christ to work on your problems … and he will work on them. He works on them by giving you the courage and the power—divine power—to overcome anything that comes your way.

CHECK IT

1. What's the worst thing that has happened to you? How can you give that over to Christ?



2. What weakness (like maybe a physical problem) or hurt in your life has Christ used for something good?



3. What does it mean to let Christ take it over?

For more information on Michael Smalley and the Smalley Marriage and Family Center please visit www.smalleymarriagecenter.com

© Copyright 2007 Smalley Relationship Center

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