This week, however, I looked to the side. The bent form of the woman across the aisle began to move as she stood to worship. If anyone could be considered "unable to stand," it would be her. This week, she had withstood the rain and cold to be here; she struggled up the winding staircase of our church to worship in the sanctuary; and now, she was using everything within her to rise and stand before her Lord in worship.
I think how I felt when I woke up today. Sunday is the only day each week I can even consider staying in my pajamas, lingering around the breakfast table with my family. The only student I'll have in Sunday school is the one who could be sitting across from me at the breakfast table. The dismal, grey skies perfectly captured my mood, and my aching back could use a rest. It would have required minimum effort to keep me cozy and warm at home this morning. But -- hooray for me -- I pasted on a smile, threw on something mildly better than sweats, snatched up some items for a Sunday school lesson, and dragged myself out to church. Now, here I was, watching this woman use all her strength to stand. I felt like a schmo. But, was it her strength anyway?
The Bible is rife with accounts of average -- even less than average -- people who were the catalysts for God's amazing work. The man who built an enormous boat with his bear hands, all the while enduring ridicule and, I'm sure, moments of frustration and discouragement, to survive something called "rain." A prostitute who boldly risked her life for God's people and was woven into the genealogy of the King of kings. The boy who courageously stood up to a giant, who in later years fought a greater battle, repenting of adultery and murder, to become a "man after God's own heart." The men who, though their chains were broken and prison gates thrown open, refused to leave lest the Roman jailer be executed for perceived negligence. Was it their skill, or tenacity, or boldness, or contrition, or mercy?
The Bible tells us every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God. The goodness that is found within us, talents, courage, a sense of justice, humility, compassion -- they were placed in us or developed in us by God, whether you believe it or not. (Just because you deny your Creator, doesn't mean He didn't create you.) Weakened legs supporting a bent and broken body is God at work. A heart turned from self to others is God at work. A family sustained by food and finances that seem to come from nowhere is God at work. The lengths to which we allow Him to do all He can do, though, that is our choice.
His strength is made manifest, is brought to fruition where we lack. When we are in love with God, leaning completely on Him, and allowing Him to take charge of all we are and all we desire, when we want nothing but His will for us and others, when we listen for His voice and obey it, great things can come to pass. Not out of our courage, or skill, or strength, or humility, or kindness, or physical ability -- but out of that which God, our Creator and King, is placing and developing within us.
Let us stand, and praise His holy name!
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