When All Hail Breaks Loose: Trip #9

Friday, May 20th

I woke up this morning (Friday, May 20th) in Uganda. Several texts awaited me when I entered the wi-fi zone, alerting me that a hailstorm had come through Hudson, denting cars, and scarring roofs. My neighbors let me know that our cars and home were not exempt. Our insurance agent says that it was the worst storm in his multi decade career.

There’s not a lot one can make happen from Africa, given the distance and eight-hour time change.  I simply moved on with my morning, recognizing my powerlessness. At breakfast I was struck at how relaxed I was given the recent news and the impending tasks ahead. I found a surprising liberation in my powerlessness. 

The Scripture gives many examples of how the acknowledgement of human weakness and limitation are, in fact, a platform for liberation. This is because a climate is created that makes it more likely that we look outside ourselves for another power, in the God who is there. The Apostle Paul said God’s power is made perfect in weakness. I’m not a big fan of weakness. I live in a country where we make a way for ourselves and a city of relative affluence. 

You’d be surprised at what you can find in a moment (or a season) of weakness. I have found incredibly helpful neighbors, trustworthy contractors, an insurance company who kept their promises. Behind it all, a calm assurance that the God who knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, knows of my plight, my inconvenience, my weakness.

Ultimate validation in weakness comes through Jesus Christ. He came in weakness and took on powerlessness as he yielded his life on a cross for others. On the third day rose again, according to the Scriptures. For those who trust in his death and resurrection, who admit powerlessness in self access to God, he gives the right to be the child of God-today and forever. In doing so, we move from a frantic attempt to keep all of life in order, to finding ourselves in the work-rest trusting relationship that mortals may walk in before putting on immortality.

What (or who) is ruling my heart is made abundantly clear when I am feeling powerless. Panic, or a peace that passes understanding (or pick you spot in between) or all possible. Next time you find yourself powerless, consider it an invitation to humbly look in the direction of the one who became weak that we might rest in his resurrection strength.

Larry Szyman

Pastor for Missional Life