Power in Poverty

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100513.cfm) reminds me that there is power in poverty.

Nowadays, poverty is not a powerful situation. When we hear the word poverty, we think of the poor and marginalized, those needing help. How can being in poverty be powerful?

God’s ways are not man’s ways, and poverty in the sense of the world is different from poverty in God’s eyes. Powerful poverty is being childlike in God’s eyes, depending on him in everything.

“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.

A child is fully dependent on the parent. A child instinctively knows that he cannot do anything on his own, but needs to rely on the parent for everything.

That’s how God wants us to act. IF we totally depend on Him, he will do great things through and to us. Powerful poverty.

In the gospel we see an example of this. Demons subject to the disciples. Satan falling like lightning. Great, powerful things are being done by them through Jesus name. Powerful poverty, depending on God as we do our work.

May we be inspired and challenged, to let go of our desire of being in control and relying on ourselves, and be in poverty, depending totally on God, and expecting Him to release his power to and through us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Lord, I pray that I be able to learn how to be poor – to be totally dependent on you. Lord, as I let go of control and surrender to you, I believe you will use me mightily to glorify your name, to spread your kingdom, and to win souls for you. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-