The Daily: Wedensday February 4, 2026

And God said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I would rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Our world has a very specific idea about what strength looks like. It's the person who never shows weakness, who dominates every room they enter, who takes what they want and keeps others from getting what they deserve. It's strength built on control, certainty, and power over others. But what if everything we've been taught about strength is backwards?

Jesus stood at the same Jordan River where Joshua had once crossed, but He demonstrated a completely different kind of strength. Instead of conquering, He served. Instead of taking, He gave. Instead of dominating, He healed. He saw Himself not as the source of power, but as a vessel through which divine love could flow to others. This kind of strength doesn't come from within us - it comes through us. It's not about what we can grab or control, but about what we can channel when we open ourselves to something greater. Jesus found His strength not in His own abilities, but in His connection to God, who he referred to as hi Father, his Abba. He was strong enough to resist injustice, gentle enough to welcome children, and courageous enough to challenge systems that kept people marginalized. True strength is actually gentleness in action. It's having the power to harm but choosing to heal instead. It's being strong enough to be vulnerable, secure enough to serve, and confident enough to put others first. This kind of strength is available to all of us, but it requires us to let go of the world's definition of power. It asks us to find our source not in our own capabilities, but in our connection to the divine love that flows through us when we're open to it.

Reflection
How might your understanding of strength need to change to align more with Jesus' example of gentle power and compassionate courage?

Prayer
God, transform my understanding of strength. Help me find power not in dominating others, but in serving them. Make me a vessel of Your love and grace. Amen.