Have you ever been a “basket case?” With all the activities and stress that life brings, many of us fall into this experience. Or perhaps it is the New Year that brings you anxiety: new challenges, a new job, new relationships, new conflicts, demands on your time.
In Acts 9, we read that even St. Paul was a basket case at times, literally! His life was threatened, and by the grace of God he was lowered down the city gate in a basket to escape his enemies. Later Paul would boast of this basket case experience as witness of his ministry for Christ.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. (2 Cor. 11:30-33)
Our basket case experiences can be an opportunity to grow in our faith in God, for He provides for all of our needs, be it time, courage, patience, love, wisdom, or even a basket. As St. Paul explains: it is in our weakness that God demonstrates His unfailing faithfulness to provide for us. In the weakness of our sin, our heavenly Father lifted up Jesus on the cross to assure us of His love and forgiveness. And on Easter morning, He lifted Jesus up out of the grave to assure us that He would never let us down!
When you get a chance, share one of your basket case experiences with a friend, and then share how God demonstrated His strength by providing for your needs.
Have a great day in the Lord!
originally published at www.LCMSYoungAdultMinistry.org on 2/17/10