Celebrating Our Weakness
“Rejoice in the Lord always; Again I say rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but for everything in prayer and supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God which passes all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:4-7 (American Standard Version)
We love to celebrate memorable occasions. Whether big or small, we value the meaning of the occasions. We feast on birthdays and anniversaries. Nonetheless, I notice we do not celebrate adversaries we’ve overcome nor ordinary days of struggles. It never enters our brilliant minds to have a good time on such occasions.
A few months ago, I visited the doctors frequently. I had unexplained tremors, muscle weakness, and other unusual physiological problems that created in me fear and worries. The different assessments by the doctors bogged me as I underwent further clinical tests. I felt drained and pushed to the limit. I felt hopeless and tired – tired of trying to reach God’s mind for His purpose in all I was undergoing. I cried much.
My quiet times with God seemed insensitive to what I felt and experienced until He brought me to Philippians 4:4-7, an invitation to celebrate ALL THE TIME. The passage is a call to sing and dance for afflictions! I wondered how on earth could I celebrate my ambiguous condition!
But God talked to me heart to heart. He encouraged me to celebrate His goodness amidst my brokenness. He helped me see the beauty beyond my trial, to rejoice my humanness, my need of a Bigger and Wiser One. I have resolved to offer my thanksgiving of daily groaning and protests, as well as my requests for good health. The time I almost gave up was also the time His sufficient grace overflowed my empty soul. My time of weakness was my divine appointment with God. He hushed me to His loving arms, allowing His love to be real in my weaknesses. He did not answer my questions but offered peace to my weary heart.
I will therefore celebrate His goodness all the time, not just for wellness of life but for my whole being. I will continue to anticipate the grand learning of ordinary days full of questions and trials. To God be praised.
Written by Rhoda Estrada
