God’s Version of a Red Bull - Utah Devotional (March 25)

How are you feeling this morning? Rested? Excited? Worried? Tired? All of the above? Wherever you’re at, it’s important to pause and honestly check in with your heart. Name what you’re feeling. Don’t ignore it. Don’t rush past it. This trip is moving into its final stretch—and hear this clearly: We are not done yet. I hope that excites you. There is still work to do. The mission isn’t finished.

Over the past several days, you’ve walked this city, learned the culture, prayed for people, shared the gospel, served in tangible ways, and prepared the way for Jesus. And yesterday, you rested. But today, things begin to ramp up again. We’re partnering with True Life and stepping into something they already do incredibly well—their food pantry.

And I want to say something that might surprise you: They don’t need us. They serve over 400 families every week. They have systems in place. They have faithful volunteers. It’s a well-run, consistent, powerful ministry. So if they don’t need us, what do we actually bring? From experience, both here and in other churches, I can tell you this: We bring energy. We bring encouragement. We bring strength.

Put yourself in the shoes of the believers in Cedar City. They are a small percentage of the population. Ministry here can feel taxing, slow, and sometimes isolating. And yet, they keep showing up. When we served last year, something powerful happened. The volunteers weren’t just helped—they were refreshed. Seeing students your age serve with joy gave them energy to keep going. That’s what we get to be a part of today.

But here’s the tension: We cannot give what we do not have. If we lack love, we cannot give love. If we lack humility, we cannot walk in humility. If we lack strength, we cannot give strength. So how do we give energy and encouragement if we don’t feel like we have any? Yesterday, we Sabbath-ed. In theory, we should be stepping into today more refreshed than before. But let’s be real—some of you may not feel that way. Maybe you’re still tired. Maybe you feel drained. Maybe doubts are creeping in—about your purpose, about this trip, or even about the people around you. Maybe you’re walking into today feeling… weak.

And here’s the encouragement: You might be exactly where God wants you. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about a “thorn in his flesh”—something painful, something limiting, something he desperately wanted God to take away. But instead of removing it, God responded: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul’s conclusion? “When I am weak, then I am strong.” That’s not how we naturally think. We think strength comes from having it all together. From feeling ready. From being capable. But in the Kingdom of God, strength doesn’t come from having everything, but it comes from depending on the One who does. Let me tell you a quick story:

When I started at Corban, I came in wanting to complete my M.Div. in five years instead of seven. The problem? I felt completely unqualified. I hadn’t even read the whole Bible. I didn’t know what I believed theologically. And I was surrounded by people who seemed to know everything and weren’t shy about showing it. I believed the lie that I didn’t measure up.

For about a year and a half, I tried to transfer out five different times. I nearly walked away from ministry altogether. But then something shifted. Through encouragement, especially from Olivia, I was challenged to stop running from my weaknesses and start surrendering them to the Lord. Instead of seeing myself as a failure, I began to see myself as someone with an opportunity—to learn, to grow, to depend on God.

So I leaned in. I asked for help. I admitted where I was weak. I met with professors. I took opportunities even when I didn’t feel ready. And over time, God did something I never could have done on my own. He strengthened me. By the time I graduated, I finished at the top of my class and received opportunities and recognition I never expected.

Hear this clearly—the point of the story is not my accomplishments. The point is this: My strength didn’t come from proving I was capable. It came from admitting I wasn’t and trusting God anyway. Those who refuse to acknowledge their weakness often miss what God wants to do in them. But those who humble themselves? Those who admit, “I don’t have it”? Those are the people God fills.

There is a reason I titled the devotional God’s Version of a Red Bull. The world chases strength through performance, recognition, and quick fixes that don’t last. But followers of Jesus receive strength in a completely different way: By admitting weakness. By surrendering control. By depending fully on Him. It’s why people say, “God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” If you try to rely on your own strength, you’ll run out. But if you come to God empty, He will fill you with exactly what you need (which is very much the whole point of the gospel, btw)!

So today, don’t hide your weakness. Bring it to Him. If you’re tired, bring it. If you’re discouraged, bring it. If you’re doubting, bring it. If you feel like you don’t have what it takes, bring that. Ask Him for strength. Ask Him for help. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and lead you. Because the cross itself is the greatest picture of this truth. What looked like weakness—Jesus suffering and dying—was actually the greatest display of strength the world has ever seen. And the resurrection proves it. So today, don’t try to be strong on your own. Find your strength in Him. And watch how God uses your weakness to bring life, encouragement, and strength to others.

Suggested Prayer:

God, help me identify where I am weak. Use my weaknesses for your glory. Lord, would you also give me your strength in my weaknesses? Thank you for your continued faithfulness! Help me see what you’re continually doing! Amen.

Scripture:

• 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Questions To Ponder:

• Group Questions

  • Paul speaks about a “thorn in the flesh” that keeps him humble (v. 7). What are some personal weaknesses or struggles that have drawn you closer to God?

  • In verses 8-9, God responds to Paul’s weakness with, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” How does this challenge the way we typically view weakness and strength?

  • How can we practically boast in Christ’s strength rather than our own achievements? 

  • Verse 10 says, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” How does relying on Christ’s strength bring renewal and perseverance on this trip?