When competing as a young wrestler, I used to have an edge. You may think it would be something I was proud to tell you about...not so much. Ironically, my advantage came from weakness. My opponents would see me prior to a match, size me up, and grow a little more self-confident. You see, I didn’t look strong. In fact, I could observe my competitors from across the room actually grinning, anticipating victory. Along those lines, my older brother John, (he was actually my biggest fan) was always there to “encourage” me. He would joke, “Keith, you’re weak, but you're slow too.” OK, thanks for that! Early on, all this was a bit disheartening, but after a while, I decided it’s what happens in the match that counts. What some of my opponents discovered is what we all need to learn, and sometimes the hard way, what you see isn’t always what you get.

From the Word of God, Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” It becomes an act of faith to truly believe what is unseen vs what is seen. We see this in Scripture by example, as well as life-directing principles. This is spiritual truth vs our physical reality. So many times in life, what is unseen can become our greatest strength. It reminds me of Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”

These are crazy days we find ourselves living in. Talk about a time to pray for each other and our world! Presently, I’ve been under the weather (not COVID-19) for about 2 months now. I’m reminded how much we can depend upon our own strength. It’s a very humbling time. I think the enemy is watching our current reality, perceived as weakness, and might be smiling. All the while, God is allowing it, wanting us to learn how much more we need to lean on Him. The Apostle Paul introduced us to a biblical paradox as he learned to lean on God during his own time of suffering. And to be honest, if something doesn’t make sense to me, this verse qualifies. He writes in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

Thank you for all your support and prayers. I love you all.

- Keith