Frailty

II Cor.4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;” Frailty makes much room for faith. If my faith itself was not frail, perhaps I would have reliance upon how faithful I was, but it remains Christ and only Christ in whom my trust remains. In frailty I run to my Father, in frailty I cry out to Him. When I believe myself strong I engage that supposed strength before I turn to God, there is no profit in that kind of strength.

The woman in Simon the pharisee’s house loved much because she was forgiven much. She was glad to love because she was greatly forgiven. Perhaps she would have liked to imagine that she loved much because she was so lovely, but what was real was that great weakness resulted in much glory.

Frailty also creates the need to be comforted; the Holy Spirit knows this and so He does comfort. What does a comforter like to do? He likes to comfort; the Spirit does not shy away from the weakness of the children of God, no, He holds close, and speaks tenderly.

You and I may not be able to carry the burden of a strong man, but in our weakness we help to carry one another’s burdens. You are frail and I am frail, and together we are helped by God. And the praise belongs alone to Him.

How much hope would I cling to if I was strong? I would imagine I could handle tomorrow, and hope would not seem necessary. But we who are not capable for tomorrow look to the One who has already handled tomorrow: shaping it as He chooses. Our confidence may be shaken, but our eyes are fixed on Christ, and our confidence is renewed.

Thank God we remain clay in the hands of the Potter.