February reflection from the Director

When it comes to gospel growth it has never been about being the most powerful individual in the room or the strongest force in the nation, in fact, the opposite.

When Paul wants to defend his ministry to the Corinthian church he spends an awful lot of time talking about his weakness! This is not because he wants them to feel sorry for him, far from it. Instead, he is eager for them to realise that perplexing weakness, distress and suffering are the normal Christian experience and it is in those times that we learn to stop relying on ourselves but on God. 

Paul says at one point: ‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.’ (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV) 

We are fragile and ordinary, not much to look at and easily broken. But as we endure, as we keep trusting, keep serving, keep proclaiming, even in our troubles, we know that power comes from God.

Maybe today you feel weak. You might be facing all kinds of trouble and trial in your life and you sometimes despair. Perhaps you get downcast when you realise the voice of the church in the world is rarely heard. 

Let me re-assure you, that your weakness is going to demonstrate God’s strength. You don’t need to demonstrate all-surpassing power, God does that. You need to endure, with the joy of knowing that God knows all about you and will give you comfort.

This reflection was written for the February monthly email newsletter. Subscribe now to get regular news and updates from Affinity.