Saturday, August 30, 2014

Charles Atlas

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
2 Corinthians 12:9

     Remember with me those last pages of comic books. Next to the cheesy ad for Sea Monkeys was one for Charles Atlas' exercise program. The cartoon showed the 97-pound weakling having sand kicked in his face at the beach by husky bullies while his disgusted girlfriend flounced off in a huff.
"If only I were muscle-bound like Charles Atlas!" he thought, as he sent for the program.

     Where do Christians derive their strength in the face of adversity?

     A paralyzed person who cannot lift a spoon has the power of Christ at his disposal through faith and prayer. A person of low IQ may be discounted by most of society, but the grace of Christ transforms him into a powerhouse. The simple prayer of a faithful child can move mountains. A feeble old man with dementia utters universal truths propelled by the Voice of the Ancient of Days.

     "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1: 27)

    So, if you ever feel weak or powerless as the haughty folks kick sand in your face, think again! You are stronger than any Charles Atlas. The Creator of the world resides in you! When others persecute you, insult you or create hardships due to your faith, rejoice! "For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10) You bear the marks of the crucifixtion on your spiritual body and you may proudly claim the power of the resurrection!

     Remember with me the words of one of my favorite hymns:

"Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross.
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss!
From victory unto victory,
His army shall he lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed!"

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