I remember being young and feeling powerless. I used to feel weak. I attended a private school during my early years of education and I remember being challenged by a kid half my size. There were a hand full of kids standing around watching. We all stood in a circle in our navy blue slacks and light blue shirts, dark shoes and sweaters looking at each other. He lunged at me and took me down. It ended quickly but I didn’t defend myself. I lived with that sense of inadequacy for years. What’s it like to feel weak and powerless in terms of your faith? Paul calls on the strong in faith to help the weak in Romans 15. He continues this theme that began in chapter 14 but now instead of not judging others, bear up another’s burdens. Go the extra mile and understand what’s it like from their perspective to struggle with a sense of insecurity, living from a sense of duty to be found approved by God. Get into their world. It’s the scene in Lord of the Rings where you see Samwise reaching out to help carry Frodo’s burden. Frodo is weak. He is carrying a huge burden that is weighing him down but he can’t unload it. He won’t unload it. Samwise is wiling to risk his life for his friend. What are you willing to do for a brother or sister who feels powerless, weak in their faith?
Todd
