Awakening Faith: Hope From the Global Churchਨਮੂਨਾ

Strength in Weakness

She had all the right paperwork, or so she thought. But when she stepped off the plane into central Africa and handed the papers over, suspicion filled the eyes of the officers. Questions came rapid-fire. Then the handcuffs. They led her to a cold, cramped cell.

She sat on the floor, alone with her thoughts. Was this a mistake? Maybe they wanted a bribe. Maybe the resistance to the Gospel here was even deeper than she imagined. She could have sulked, angry at the injustice. Instead, she began to see the moment as a gift.

Surrounded by a dozen strangers in that cell, she opened her mouth to share Christ. Hours later, chains still on her wrists, joy was written across her face. Several cellmates believed. Even one of the officers who had locked her up repented and gave his life to Jesus.

Paul’s words ring true: “It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” Suffering is not an accident. It’s a gift. In weakness, God’s strength breaks through. In hardship, the Gospel advances.

The question is not if we will face suffering, but how we will see it. Will we view it as meaningless or as the place where Christ’s power rests on us?