Stronger than you think
Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 10:39AM It's a myth that you're either strong or weak at any given moment, resilient or vulnerable. Because our minds don't easily entertain paradox -- "How could I be simultaneously both weak and strong?" -- we feel we must be either one or the other.
It's not true.
In his book, The Survivors Club, Ben Sherwood tells us we've misunderstood the survivor personality, concluding of ourselves, "I could never be like that person who survived that trauma. They're obviously stronger than I, more resilient. I'd never make it."
The truth is, according to one of the experts on survival the author quotes, "...many experts -- and the media -- want to believe that people are either resilient or vulnerable, strong or weak, healthy or sick. In reality, people combine all these qualities." (p. 180)
You are stronger and have more reserves at your disposal than you think. If we factor in the supernatural reserves of your new heart, born in you when you said 'yes' to Jesus, you have an unearthly strength you've never imagined. You are resilient, though wounded. Brave, though fearful. Confident, though hiding.
"For when I am weak, then I am strong." - Apostle Paul
Reader Comments (4)
Jim,
Great post! Indeed, I believe we ALL have the strength to get through whatever comes into our lives. I really do. After all, we have the Holy Spirit HIMSELF who is all-powerful. If we just tap into what He is yearning for us to capture, receive and apply to our struggles, pains, dilemmas, problems....we can be overcomers.
For soooo many years, I did not understand the TRUTH of the Holy Spirit's Presence within me...and all Believers in Christ. Thank goodness Papa Jesus Holy Spirit woke me up and showed me Himself within my new nature.
It's my prayer more and more will come to this revelation. I know they will, though, as I know God is moving and bringing them into Him now!
Blessings,
~Amy :)
Walking In The Spirit
http://amyiswalkinginthespirit.blogspot.com
Great point, Amy. Strength is our new nature.
Great post, Jim, and great reminder. We have so misunderstood the truth of our new heart that we fail to realize the strength that is in us. It really is a hidden virtue that is only revealed when we need it.
Aida
Thanks, Aida. Our life is often found in the intersection of the paradox: both weak and strong -- but with our new hearts (that all-to-hidden virtue you point out), our new heart is the greater reality.