Some memories are dangerous. Some are dangerous to remember and others are dangerous to forget. Last night, I happened to meet a colleague while we were out with our daughter. In the midst of our conversation, he reminded me of a memory from my life that was dangerously close to being forgotten. He said, “I remember a few years ago, when you were sick over Christmas, and could do nothing. You had to surrender to God and simply receive.”
It was true. There was a Christmas when I was too sick to lead and I had to wait on God when I typically would fill my life with a flurry of activity. I was surprised when he mentioned it because I never thought anyone else would remember, and especially, because I’d nearly forgotten it myself.
I suppose part of me wanted to forget that season. It was a very difficult time for me and for my family. There were memories that were far from pleasant and it would have been fine for me if no one ever thought of them again. The problem is, if those memories were forgotten, then the ones that should be remembered would be lost with them.
In truth, that season was spiritually, not about my sickness, but about my surrender. Christmas can be such a busy season, and it is easy to think that you have everything under control. I typically thought so. Often the leadership of the church during this season prevents me from experiencing all that Christmas has to offer, and I settle for knowing I have all of my holiday ducks in a row.
That year, everything was different. I had to rely on others. I found myself with excessive amounts of time to rest and reflect. I was in the midst of one of the great seasons of ministry, and I was the one being ministered to.
I thank God for the surprise encounter last night. I needed to remember the blessing God showed me in my weakness. Too often, I forget to own my weaknesses. Like most people, I want to feel like someone who has it all together, but the truth is, I don’t. Few of us do, and when we deny our weaknesses, we hide the gracious power of God that shines through them. The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses.” Why? Because in them, God is glorified. He even went on to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
Jesus chose to enter the world in the weakness of an infant, held in his mother’s arms. God’s greatest strength, revealed in such a frail form. God does great things with and through weakness. Sometimes that is where we see his love at work in our lives the most.
I invite you to join me in celebrating weakness and the power of God found there. I also pray that you will find time to reflect during this season, to surrender to God and receive all that is waiting for you. Take time to remember, even what seeks to be forgotten, then let God help you transform those memories while you make new ones with him.
