Freedom in Weakness

Last night, Ken Ham, the founder of The Creation Museum, debated with Bill Nye on Evolution versus Creationism.  It was a good debate with a lot of information from both sides.  We decided to take Braden with us to watch it live at church.  I wanted B to see a Christian scientist on TV.  I wanted B to see that you can love science and invention and still believe God is the creator of the universe.  I wanted him to understand that although evolution is the only thing taught in public school, it is not fact.  It is actually just a theory based on one man's opinion of how the earth came into existence.  Opinion is not truth.  It is very important to me that my sons understand these things early.  I want them to be confident going into these issues at school.  The Bible is an absolute.  We have absolute truths.  We have absolute right and wrongs.  We can be confident in this because the Word of God does not change. 

When we arrived, B was the youngest one in the audience by far.  There were some teens there playing a game while we waited for the debate to begin and Braden was very interested in being a part of their group.  I walked over to him at one point to talk to him and he took off, not wanting to be "with Mom."  Now Dad, on the other hand, is definitely considered cool, being a youth leader, so he was ok to be with Dad.  As we sat down in our seats and the opening statements began, B was sitting by his Dad and leaning forward like his Dad.  Watching intently, like his Dad.  As the night wore on, and the debate ran LONG, his posture changed.  My 8 year old began leaning on Mom's shoulder.  Sitting cross legged in the chair and leaning in to have his back scratched by Mom, or his hand stroked by Mom.  The more tired he got, the closer he snuggled.  I enjoyed every second, of course; these few and far between moments with my oldest.

Often times I think about my heavenly Father and draw comparisons between my relationships with my sons and my Father's relationship with me.  How often do I tend to stand on my own two feet when things are going well.  When my energy is high, a project is new and fresh.  How easy it is for me to just keep moving forward and skip sharing the details with God.  But, oh when the days are LONG, or the project is becoming tiresome.  Oh, when I become weary.  I lean in.  I lean in on my Father and invite him into every minute of my day.  Needing the back scratch.  Needing the hand stroke.  Needing the comfort that only my Father can give.

My Bible study this week talked about our body and its "flaws."  How God did not give us flaws as a curse.  What we may see as a flaw, or something we don't like, may have a very good and practical reason to be.  When I think about my weaknesses and really pray about them, asking God why they are there, he reveals that without them, I most certainly would over-do, over-achieve, and fill up my time with activities and hope for success that would glorify me and please others.  I would miss out on so much of my life that happens in between the lines of my "To-Do List."  The good stuff.  The random conversation with my oldest about having the courage to do what's right, even when his friends aren't doing the right thing.  The "one more hug, Mama" from Tyler that will become less and less voluntary this very year, as he is nearing 5 years old and Kindergarten.

I don't want to miss out!  So God gives me weakness.  And I can be at peace with those weaknesses, those hidden treasures in secret places.  Where I am forced to lean in and accept His help, His love, His schedule for my life.  And I have more time living the life He wants for me.  What a blessing!  What freedom!  What #peace!

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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Cor 12:9

 

Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Cor 12:10

 

I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.  Isa 45:3

 

 

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