Devotion Archive

Week of August 23, 2010

During my job as a part time maintenance man during my Seminary days, I received a good tip from my supervisor when working with small saws and trying to cut with precision.  He said, “let the saw (or blade) do the work.”  In other words, if I tried to push too hard with my own effort, I would not only get tired in a hurry but also not be as effective as if I just backed off and let the blade do the real work of cutting.  In a sense, the “weaker” I sawed, the more powerful the blade seemed to be.

I thought of that as I read these words from our Lord to the Apostle Paul in my morning devotion today: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Did you see what God said?  In our weakness, his power is made perfect or complete.  What does he mean?  He means that when we don’t have the strength or power or stamina or courage or knowledge to do something, he does.  He means that when we don’t have all the answers, he does.  He means that when we can’t see the future, he can.  He means that when we are unable to stand, he will lift us up with his power.  When we are weak, his power takes over to do what we can’t.

So my advice to you today when you are trying to saw through your problems:  let the Lord do the work.  I’m not saying that you shouldn’t work hard or strive to do your best.  But I am saying to relax if you don’t know all the answers.  If you don’t think you have a limitless reservoir of internal strength.  If you don’t feel like a fountain of wisdom this morning.  If your body hurts.  If you aren’t sure which way to go or what to do.   Don’t think that if you just push and try harder, everything will be OK.  Instead, look to the power and strength and love of God to provide and protect and preserve you even when you feel powerless and puny.  Push less.  Pray more. 

Finding my real strength in God’s strength, just like you,

Pastor Jon Bergemann

Weekly Devotions are taken from Trinity's“Screenside Chat”, a weekly email devotion and newsletter from Pastor Bergemann designed to give you a spiritual boost from your Savior while keeping you connected to your Trinity family. 

Contact Pastor Jon Bergemann if you are interested in knowing more about Trinity Lutheran Church.

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