The upside down kingdom: power made perfect in weakness

"'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" 2 Cor. 12:9

Amen. That is my favorite verse. The verse that has been a powerful catalyst to my faith and service. I see myself in that verse and I see the individuals with disabilities that I serve in it as well.

My brother has been experiencing spiritual warfare. One of the lies being told in the dark hours of the night is that he is worthless.

lie [lahy] noun, verb

1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive, an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

Worthless? Worthless?!! Ha!

"Then Jesus asked, 'What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.'" Luke 13:18-19

This mustard seed is a prayer warrior; he prayed for my 15-month job search, a few days later I got a call from the highest paying district in the state of WA. This mustard seed has changed the course of my life and the fabric of my immediate and extended family. This mustard seed is gifted in the rare ability to soften hearts and draw people out. This mustard seed has challenged and encouraged the faith of many. This mustard seed speaks prayers and songs that demonstrate the power and creativity of his maker.

It is not in spite of our weakness that he is made strong, but in our very weaknesses that the glory of God shines through.

A mustard seed is small and may be seen worthless, but once it is planted, prepare to see this small, worthless thing grow into something beautiful and strong.

The deceiver and people of this world may see this mustard seed as worthless. But beware of assumptions. What is seen as small and of little or no value will confound the wise as it demonstrates the profundity of the grace and power of the kingdom of God.

Many of us have heard lies like this one in moments of vulnerability or after a failure. Do not believe it. Underneath the lie is fear, great fear. Every lie is motivated by fear, they are told in an attempt to establish control--or to gain a foothold as some might say.

In our imperfections, weaknesses, and utter failings, God's power can be demonstrated if we release those things to him.

Remember who you are, remember whose you are.

"...For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made... All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be..." Psalm 139: 13, 14a, 16b