From Sundi Jo: This is a guest post by Jennifer White. Jennifer lives in Branson, Missouri with her husband David. She works for New Leaf Publishing Group, a Christian publishing company. She is an intercessor, enjoys serving others, loves cooking, and has a passion for sharing Christ’s message with others. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.
How could God call you to lead others while you are suffering? Shouldn’t a leader be stronger than those she leads? Doesn’t she have to be able-bodied, completely whole, modeling a perfect life? How could He use you to lead from a place of such pain and discomfort?
Who told us we have to be physically, emotionally and spiritually complete to lead? Perhaps it’s a lie and distraction from our enemy. The one who saved us from our sinful selves suffered. The leader we are to follow was mocked and beaten.
Jesus suffered. He did not deserve it. He even knew it was going to happen. He begged for it to be removed from his path. And he ultimately said yes, I will suffer for you Father. I will endure this because I trust your outcome.
Jesus did not lose heart. He was facing death, wasting away at the hands of people who did not love him. But His spirit was winning. The outcome for Him was an unending fame and indescribable power to help those in need.
The truth is this! That same power in Jesus lives inside of each person who believes in Him. And when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
- Paul wrote much of the Bible from a prison cell.
- Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore are both victims of childhood sexual abuse.
- Joni Erikson Tada has been shining the light on Jesus for decades from her wheelchair.
- Stormie O’Martian has written books of powerful prayers regardless of childhood neglect and abuse.
Not one of those listed above deserved the weakness they found themselves in. But the same God who used words to create all of creation used/usesthese faithful ones to help countless people experience His love.
Your situation may be more difficult than any of these. It may be dark and lonely, but it is putty in the hands of the Creator. Watch Him use you to build a generation of believers.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
A powerful truth. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. I agree – God calls each of us to serve right from where we are in the midst of our circumstances, struggles, experiences and backgrounds. Each of us has something to give and to share! Great post 🙂 Be blessed,
Debbie
Debbie – isn’t it great to consider we have inherited all that God has given to Jesus! I’m not sure I’ve totally grasped the fact. But – I am learning to invite His power to do more than I can ask or imagine thru my weaknesses. He is so faithful!
thankyou for writing this blog it really spoke to my heart i have been sort of waiting to figure out my mess to work on other things but you were able to convey to me i can do things outside my mess!
I’m so grateful to know that God has encouraged you today with my post. He is for you and in you and will work through your weakness to show His strength. I speak Jesus name over your life and circumstances and invite His dreams to come true for you.
This is just what I needed and just in time too. Thank you for following the Lord when and where He leads you. I am stepping back out of my box and trusting God during this storm.
Good post Jennifer!
A great reminder that God uses us right where we are. I love that in the midst of whatever circumstances we are in, we can lean into Him, for our strength, direction, and wisdom.
What an encouraging post! That God could use us in any situation that we might find ourselves in. No matter how seemingly limited our potential, God can use the bit of it we do have to magnify His Kingdom here among us. For sure, in our weakness, He demonstrates His strength 🙂
I love this post and am going to share on my blog’s fb page. Thank you!
Jessica. I’m grateful the Lord has used the post to encourage you. Thanks for sharing it too!