Jesus, not Superman

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul talks about his 'thorn in the flesh' that he begged God to remove (see 2 Corinthians 12:7). But, 'each time [God] said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness"' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). Paul was glad to boast about his weaknesses, because he could testify to the power of Jesus' work through him. God was teaching Paul the power of depending on him, rather than on himself. Do we all need this lesson? Yes, big time.

Without God, people tend to put on their Superman capes to appear strong. With Jesus, it's completely the opposite - when he was on earth, he showed his strength in the seemingly 'weakest' of ways, right up to letting the oppressive Roman government take away his rights, his dignity and his life. You can't get 'weaker' than that! In that moment on the cross he showed the power of God in weakness: 'Into your hands,' he breathed to God, 'I commit my spirit' (Luke 23:46 NIV). Jesus didn't set himself up as Superman; he set the example of giving everything to God, utterly depending on his Father's strength.

When we depend on God for every emotional, physical and spiritual thing and surrender our thoughts, feelings and desires to him, there's no limit to what he can do through us.



So what now? Write down your 'weaknesses': not sin, but problems, complex people, worries. Journal about them. And next to each, leave space to write in how Jesus' strength overcomes your weaknesses.





— SCRIPTURE —

'My power works best in weakness.' 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Judg 12-15, Matt 12:38-50, Ps 47, Pro 13:11-12