When we Are Weak

Since it is winter, I read that we are apparently entering into flu season and there are many viral-based illnesses going around.  I believe I’ve been hit with something, not quite the flu, but feels like it – throbbing headache, achy, weak and so on.  It hasn’t been fun and I’ve had to stay inside and curtail all my plans for now.  I know there are many others with colds and trying to get over annoying coughs and so on.  It’s not a very fun time. 

Prior to getting sick, I managed to write a complete short book in about four days.  I had just started getting it into publishing mode when I started coming down with the sickness.  In addition to writing, since the weather had been nice, I had been out every single day making sure I got in a walk and the fresh air that is so refreshing in January when it’s not so freezing out there.  I was also feeling a great deal of stress trying to recuperate after a very busy three weeks of celebrating Christmas.  I am sure I’ve been slack in getting to bed early enough since there’s always so much to do.  I really wasn’t functioning as well as I should.  Then finally I came down with the sickness. 

But while I’ve been at home feeling weak and at times discouraged, the Lord has reminded me of some verses that a friend shared with me years ago when I had so many problems I could hardly stand up: 

2 Cor. 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Cor. 12:10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.  KJV

What does this mean?  For me, although I’ve prayed and others have prayed for me to be healed, it is taking time to run its course.  During this time I am reminded that even though I may not be healed right away, the Lord’s presence feels even nearer to me in my weak state than when I am strong, busy and self-determined.  When I am well, somehow I miss out on discovering that Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother; He is there especially in my weakness, and He takes pity on me when I am too sick to help myself get better.  I become humbled by the knowledge that He doesn’t have to care for me and about me as much as He does, and He doesn’t have to be here with me around the clock.  It also makes me appreciate Him and all the good health He normally blesses me with, not to mention the blessings of family and friends and so many other things. 

If you are feeling unwell today, please take heart. It can be the most endearing time to reach out to the Great Physician and become acquainted with His ways.  He understands our sickness and sorrow because He’s also gone through all that we’ve been through and are currently going through.  He can and will heal, and in the meantime, He will be there for you as He is for me, to strengthen all that is weak and to draw us closer to Himself.