It was a blessing in the midst of a storm to have a class study Christology during a week when my life has been turned upside down by my mom having a stroke. It is because Christ is that beacon of hope flashing during the darkest times of our lives. And, when we are down at our weakest is when we see Christ the strongest. Paul wrote, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). To be strong when we are weak is a result of Christ living in us. Paul said it was not him that lived but, Christ that lived in him (Galatians 2:20). And, that is where we get the strength to live when it seems the pressures and trials of this world are overwhelming. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
When Paul was suffering with the “thorn” he prayed. The answer that God have him was that God’s grace was sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). And when we suffer we know that we have that grace. The old Hymn, Amazing Grace says
Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home.
That very same grace that Paul wrote of is the grace that has led me through the last few weeks. No matter what my situation, how dire it may seem, with Christ I can get through it. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:30). How anyone can get through this life without Christ is beyond me.
Until next time May The Good Lord Bless And Keep You: All Y’all!
Bobby Cohoon
North Carolina, USA
cohoon@embarqmail.com
bobbycohoon