Weakness

I wrote this article three months ago but haven’t had the guts to share it with you. I think that maybe now is the time. I’ll reword it a bit so it makes sense today.

I had a really hard week back in February right before Energy Break. It was because I struggle with some weird things that others may have a hard time understanding. Why am I telling you this? For one thing, I want you to understand that it is normal for a Christian to have trouble with things. Secondly, the topic came up in a Bible study that I attend about people thinking that Christians are hypocrites because we always try to make it look like we never question or struggle with anything. Well, I want you all to know that this isn’t true. Sometimes I struggle.

The whole Covid-19 testing and mask thing is really hard for me. I have always had a problem with anything touching my face. I can’t put my face under water or even have water splash in my face in the shower. As a kid, my mother wanted me to wear a little Easter hat, but it had elastic that went under my chin. Freak out – I couldn’t stand it! She had to cut it off. I also have trouble with anything in my mouth, so going to the dentist is a nightmare. I’ve been told that I have the quickest gag reflex of anyone they’ve ever seen. I struggle with fabric. I once had to make a whole new jacket for a field trip because the jackets they gave us were made of nylon/polyester. I couldn’t bear to have it touch my skin. My maid of honor had to line my wedding dress with soft material wherever the lace touched me. Well, you can probably see where this is going. 

I have a real problem with the Covid precautions. I have had to modify and make my own masks in order to be compliant. But when they came out with the polyester, tight-fitting FFP-2 masks, I just couldn’t wear them. I was blessed when one of the teachers shared a different style of the FFP2 mask with me that I can actually wear as long as I adjust the straps and wash it to make it softer. To be involved each morning, I enjoy collecting the tickets that show a negative result from the elementary kids three times a week. They are my heroes! They’re superstars! They’re taking this all in stride, for which I’m amazed. 

God has been using this time of Covid precautions to teach me to rely on Him. The Apostle Paul is considered a super strong Christian, and yet he shared with the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 12: 9 and 10) that he had what he called “a thorn in the flesh.” He pleaded with God to take it away from him, but each time, God just reminded him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s response was: Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Thank you for your support during this crazy Covid time. If you think that we don’t understand what you have been going through, think again. We are right there in it with you, praying for you each and every day. Please pray for us, as well. I believe that we have made it through the worst of it. 

I wish you a most lovely and restful long weekend. Maybe you can even go out someplace special this weekend! We’ll see you again on the 25th.

Because of His Faithfulness,
Dr. Sharon Brobst, Director