I AM WEAK

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13.

Reflecting on the "all hail" 1 Philippians 4:13. Take a bow if you know that one. Look at it closely.

I tend to be the one who is looked at with incredible strength. Not because I defeat these struggles, but because I surrounded by them. "You are vulnerable" That's what makes me strong? It's funny - "susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm" is a call to misery. Let your guard down - the malicious eat the bait and the righteous are inspired and encouraged. "You are real and open." Yeah, but at what cost? A piece of me is traded for the benefit of others. I am tired. I can't, I just...

"God must like you, you are suffering for him." "The Devil seeks after those who he sees as close to God." Come on Devil, you have better battles to face, move-on.

Never known as the "leader". I was the only one in the group who wasn't called one. [This is reflecting on a painful memory]. They see what comes after the hardships. "Look at how strong you are." Man, say that again when you walk with me later. Man, say that again and come join me. Dude, it's over. You boast at the finish line, but never admit fear during the dotted...

Look again. "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength!" What are things? "Whatever the circumstances...to be in need.. to have plenty...every situation, well fed or hungry, living in plenty...in want." [Read more for a comprehensive list]

Yes, you are vulnerable to attack, shame, and interrogation when you admit you are weak. Come on, get with the program, "Weakness is admitting Christ is strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). I preach to my own choir.

I am a leader? Not always. Christ is the leader..."but thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere" (2 Corinthians 2:14). I can only "show and tell" my Christ with Him leading the way. [Of course this is reflecting spreading the Gospel, but I suppose sharing Christ's strength reflects the good news!!]

At what cost am I accounted for when I desperately and pridefully desire to do it on my own? "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24). He paid the ultimate cost in a desolate state of weakness, vulnerability, and suffering.

So, just when I think I am strong, mighty, weak, open to hurt, a questioning leader and that I have it all on my own...Christ is the perfect example of enduring hardship, facing against his culture, the prime leader of the way, and the power of all powers.

At an INCREDIBLE cost = death, so that I might live, live amidst suffering, amidst vulnerability, amidst spreading the Word in a culture counter to everything I believe.

Thank you Jesus for giving me the perfect example on how to live for you.

My Name is Caleb, and I am not King. Jesus is.