Lord, teach me how
to stay on alert,
watching out for the traps
insidiously camouflaged,
waiting for me
to take one false step
and cave in to fear,
or greed, or false symbols
of who I am. Show me
where my adversary has poisoned
the thorns beneath the roses;
help me to recognize evil
and avoid it completely,
holding only to what is good
and promotes love.
At the same time
I need to keep my eyes
fixed on you——your goodness
and the light of your truth.
Then I will notice
when you murmur a warning,
when you point out the danger
and highlight the poison.
Eyes on you,
I’ll walk in safety
on the narrow path.
We are in the New Year. Yes, 2024 is here! It seems in some ways like we are “back to the future,” with all sorts of AI contraptions oozing into world systems (even though cars are not yet airborne!). And there is chaos all around. The future is precipitous and it is hard to not be apprehensive.
But our Lord has promised to be with us always, even when we feel too weak to handle a challenge. This past week as I presented my concerns to him and asked him to give me his response to them, to carry me through 2024, daily this verse is highlighted:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV)
Boast about my weaknesses? Really? Well, I can only boast about them if they become a channel for his power to flow through! I looked up the various meanings of the Greek word used in this text and found some interesting and applicable ones:
[Fri] ἀσθένεια, ας, ἡ as a state of incapacity weakness, impotence; literally, as bodily ailment sickness, disease, infirmity (LU 5.15); as physical inability weakness (HE 11.34), opposite δύναμις (might, strength); figuratively, as a quality of character weakness, lack of insight (RO 6.19); timidity, feeling of inadequacy(1C 2.3)[1]
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the definition that applies is the last one, “opposite δύναμίς,” which is the word used in this verse for “power.” Timidity and feelings of inadequacy—those truly are weaknesses I deal with. For instance, I look ahead to the upcoming trip back to Côte d’Ivoire. I have been writing Nyarafolo frequently, working on translating Isaiah with Moise long-distance. But I have not been speaking it much. Will I be able to converse naturally as expected? And when questions arise in the translation team, will conflict put me in a vulnerable position? I do wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and timidity. My perfectionism tends to rise and mock my “weaknesses,” especially when I don’t meet the expectations of others. Here is the reminder I need: meet my Lord’s expectations!
Another question keeps coming up: what should my priorities be this year? There are so many possibilities. Which ones are in his program for me?
Every time I’ve brought up the topic of preparing for 2024 with friends, the main fear that is voiced is that of political chaos here in the States. I feel that too. In addition, for those with eyes on the world scene, wars and other crises are heartbreaking. Our only hope, incapable as we are to be world-changers, is to look up. And then do whatever he tells us we should do.
Here is the key: taking eyes off myself (or yourself) and fixing them on him. That way his power can be channeled through each personal weakness to accomplish his purpose.
And that is what I want, deep down. So I’ve asked him to make this happen, to remind me daily to practice this. Maybe you need these reminders too. Let’s look at some other verses that underline the way he will come through every time as we keep our eyes—the eyes of our heart—fixed on him.
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Ps. 16:8 NIV)
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (Ps. 25:15 NIV)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Ps. 28:7 NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Prov. 3:5,6 NIV)
He alone knows what lies ahead, whatever challenge it may be, whatever wonderful opportunity. Trusting him, focusing on him and listening to him, we can walk this 2024 path in peace!
[1] Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon
Linnea's Lines 