Today I’m linking to my friend, Tori. Her blog, Conversations at the Clothesline, is great. She writes so poetically and so imaginable about her walk with Christ. The post I’m linking to is the one titled Strength Training. Pop on over and read her great post in which she includes a quote from Oswald Chambers.
Back?
Well, I’ve read this verse, 2 Cor. 12:9-10, it seems like a million times over this past year, as you know. It has yet to lose it’s punch. Here’s a new thought I want to share.
It seems that we gravitate towards this verse mid-trial. It is oft thrown out there when things are hard and after we feel hope is hidden. But when I read this verse (and have read the whole of 2 Corinthians this summer), I find this verse is a pro-active mind-set. Paul does not say, “Well, folks, I’ve tried this method, this distraction, this pulling up by the bootstraps and it’s not working, so I’m going to try the God thing.” Rather, his perspective is pre-trial, mid-trial and post-trial. He knows that in all it is Christ. He actually delights in it. Paul didn’t actively seek out trial, but when it came he just viewed his body as a vessel to gather up and strain through the very power of Christ.
I’d like that to be my mind-set. All the time. I’d like to be able to remember it as the trial begins, not mid-way or last resort.
So I thank you, Tori, for writing this on your blog as your son, Luke, tweaks your design (which I love, by the way!). I needed the reminder. Again.
Thanks for the encouragement , Mindy! I was surprised to check out your blog this morning and see my name in it! Remember, the strain is what builds the strength--kind of a poetic version of "no pain, no gain." Keep straining!
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