God Is Strongest In The Lulls, Not The Big Events

God’s strength is never one bit less because of our human weakness.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Corinthians 12:9

The Christmas tree is lit with a rainbow of lights.

The turkey leftovers have all been between slices of bread.

Black Friday has become Cyber Monday and now we’re just waiting for the credit card bill.

The inflatable reindeer are tethered to their strings and the fireplace is warming the room.

Christmas cards are waiting for addresses and gift lists still have a few names left.

Now is the lull. The time between family gatherings and Christmas parades. The moments of stillness that come after a big event and another coming soon.

Everything we had to do is done.

Everything we need to do can wait until tomorrow.

We think the important things have been finished or are coming soon. It’s either in the past or coming in the expectant future. Those big events.

After healing the people in his hometown and before starting His public ministry in the world, Jesus had one of those times. A lull between the big events in the past and bigger events in the future.

Mark tells us Jesus prayed.

After declaring His ministry to the followers of John the Baptist and before telling the world that His yoke is easy …

Matthew tells us Jesus prayed.

After His triumphant entry into Jerusalem and before the Last Supper … John tells us Jesus prayed. After being betrayed by a friend and before being betrayed three times by another …

Luke tells us Jesus prayed for the rock who would lead the Church.

After enduring the pain of the cross and before His glorious resurrection we’re told Jesus’ last words were a prayer. “Father, to you I commend my spirit.”

We think we’re at our strongest when the big events are happening.

When we’re rejoicing with birthday cake or giving thanks over a special meal.

Opening up presents or ringing in the New Year.

We’re at our strongest in the midst of celebrations. We look forward to the next big event with ceaseless anticipation. So we can be strong again.

But our lives aren’t just the big events.

Most of our lives are lived in the lulls between the big events.

And in the lulls, God is the strongest.

What a wonderful time to pray. Let us pray. Our great God. In our time of quiet this day we give thanks to you. For the big events in our lives and the lulls that bring us closer to you.

Give us this day the strength we need and hear our prayers we lift up to you.

In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.