Show what you're made of!

When David's time to die approached, he charged his son Solomon, saying, "I'm about to go the way of all the earth, but you - be strong; show what you're made of! Do what GOD tells you. Walk in the paths he shows you: Follow the life-map absolutely, keep an eye out for the signposts, his course for life set out in the revelation of Moses, then you'll get on well in whatever you do and wherever you go. Then GOD will confirm what he promised me when he said, 'If your sons watch their step, staying true to me heart and soul, you'll always have a successor on Israel's throne. 1 Kings 2:1-4 MSG

A challenging circumstance gives us the opportunity to show what we're made of. The question is, what is it that we show people? 

Do we show people that we are so self-sufficient that we can handle all circumstances ourselves, without anyone else's help, and certainly without the help of a loving and faithful God? How long can that self-sufficient approach be sustained before we fall in a heap and realize that we do need other people's help, and we do need the help of a loving and gracious heavenly Father?

Or do we show people that challenging circumstances bring out our strengths, but they also bring out our weaknesses? Do we show people that it is okay to have weaknesses because it is in our weakness that God show's His strength? Do we allow God to use our challenging circumstances to show others that He is the ultimate rescuer in every situation?

Can we stand in agreement with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 and 10 (NIV) when he says, 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.

So when David says to Solomon, 'be strong, show what you're made of' I believe he is saying to Solomon be strong in your conviction of who you are in God, and show God's power and grace working in your life.

Final questions for today, what is it that you are showing people about yourself when challenging circumstances come your way? Do you allow Jesus to step into your weaknesses, and make you strong? Do you allow yourself to be a vessel of His power, a testimony of His grace?