September 12
I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has given me
strength . . . I Timothy 1:12
Before coming to Christ, Paul persecuted the Christians. Although it was his duty as a Roman soldier to
discipline or eradicate this wayward group of people, who were brazenly turning their backs on the practice
of their religious traditions, practices that had been central to their lives for generations; his actions indicated that he took it a step further. Paul was strong in those religious beliefs and was relentless and merciless in dealing with any opposing factions. Then, he met Christ on the road to Damascus . . . . and his life was
forever changed. Whatever power he had wielded was transformed, changed to a new inner strength; one to
be used to fearlessly spread The Good News, with a courage that knew no bounds. God gave him a limitless, powerful strength, one that would affect the good of all mankind for generations to come. And yet, Paul considered himself to be quite weak, referring to that throughout his writings, understanding well, that his strength was not of his own doing, but came from the Holy Spirit.
Each of us has been gifted by God, with unique strength and ability, to be used for the well being of those whose lives we touch. We may be weak in spirit, lack some of the confidence we feel is necessary to fan
those sparks that lie within each of us; and frequently we are hindered by the awareness of our own failings. But with Paul’s example of faith before us, we have all the assurance we need to recognize and utilize, this wondrous strength that God has placed within us.
Without you Lord, I am helpless. When I am weak, empower me with your strength!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has given me
strength . . . I Timothy 1:12
Before coming to Christ, Paul persecuted the Christians. Although it was his duty as a Roman soldier to
discipline or eradicate this wayward group of people, who were brazenly turning their backs on the practice
of their religious traditions, practices that had been central to their lives for generations; his actions indicated that he took it a step further. Paul was strong in those religious beliefs and was relentless and merciless in dealing with any opposing factions. Then, he met Christ on the road to Damascus . . . . and his life was
forever changed. Whatever power he had wielded was transformed, changed to a new inner strength; one to
be used to fearlessly spread The Good News, with a courage that knew no bounds. God gave him a limitless, powerful strength, one that would affect the good of all mankind for generations to come. And yet, Paul considered himself to be quite weak, referring to that throughout his writings, understanding well, that his strength was not of his own doing, but came from the Holy Spirit.
Each of us has been gifted by God, with unique strength and ability, to be used for the well being of those whose lives we touch. We may be weak in spirit, lack some of the confidence we feel is necessary to fan
those sparks that lie within each of us; and frequently we are hindered by the awareness of our own failings. But with Paul’s example of faith before us, we have all the assurance we need to recognize and utilize, this wondrous strength that God has placed within us.
Without you Lord, I am helpless. When I am weak, empower me with your strength!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson