"That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT)
It sounds counter-cultural, doesn't it? To delight in weakness for the sake of our love for Christ? To delight in slaps across the face, turmoil, and infirmities, all for Christ's sake? While it might sound like an alternative means to living our best life or achieving the American Dream, Jesus meant verses like 2 Corinthians 12:10 for our good.
Paul's address in this passage requires him to be raw and vulnerable with his audience. Not only has he told us that he's been given revelations from the Lord, but he was also given a "thorn" so that he might not grow proud (2 Corinthians 12:6-7). The worst part about this "thorn" is that even after begging God three times to take it away, the Lord says "no." Just before our key verse in line 10, we read these words:
"If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me" ( 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 NLT, bold emphasis added).
Out of all the passages in the Bible, this one speaks the loudest to those of us feeling weak, downtrodden, and defeated. By society's standards, being weak means you're incapable, unqualified, and forgotten. In God's standards, perhaps being weak is a place we were always meant to arrive—not because it's pleasant or fun but because it points us to the true Source of our strength. Would we ever know what strength really is without first enduring weakness?
In my journey with physical and mental suffering, I've clung to verses like this one. Not because I've been completely healed, but because I believe that even in my weakness, God can still use me. It doesn't always make the pain or suffering easier to endure or experience, but it reminds me to shift my perspective. It reminds me that if my God can use something terrible I experience to reveal His power through me, then so be it.
Joni Eareckson Tada, an American author, radio host, and quadriplegic says it this way:
"My weakness, that is, my quadriplegia, is my greatest asset because it forces me into the arms of Christ every single morning when I get up." In one of her most popular works, A Place of Healing, she goes on to speak these profound words:
"My wheelchair was the key to seeing all this happen—especially since God’s power always shows up best in weakness. So here I sit … glad that I have not been healed on the outside, but glad that I have been healed on the inside. Healed from my own self-centered wants and wishes" (pg.49).
What a shift in perspective, huh? While I'm not saying the desire to be healed or strong is wrong, Joni reminds us of Paul's main point. Whether we're well-fed or hungry, weak or strong, let us never forget to look to our Creator (Philippians 4:12-13). Let us never forget our need for Him. Because even in our deepest and greatest deficiency, we can rely and depend on Him to satisfy our every need.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles" (Philippians 4:12-13, NIV).
If you're feeling weak, discouraged, or too ashamed to stand, please know that God sees and loves you right where you are—even in the middle of your inferiority or brokenness.
Like Paul and Joni, you don’t have to pretend to be strong. By acknowledging your vulnerability, you can lean into God’s sufficiency. In your weakness, God is more than able to strengthen you. Weak or strong, full or hungry, in need or abundance, we can do all things through Him who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). It's not because we're strong, but because His strength shines through every part of our brokenness.
Today, reflect on the areas you feel weak, vulnerable, fragmented, or discouraged. Journal these thoughts to God in a prayer and rest in the strength of His presence. Instead of viewing weakness as a downfall, ask God to help you shift your perspective. Remember, this is an opportunity for God's power to be revealed, and no matter how you're feeling, bring Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 12 to mind. Rest in God's promise that His grace is sufficient for you. His power is made perfect in your weakness, and you have nothing to be ashamed of.
Let's pray:
Dear God, we praise and thank you for your strength, grace, and mercy. Thank you for reminding us that your power works best in weakness. We don't have to be embarrassed or ashamed of our needs because they keep us dependent on you. Help us not run from our weaknesses but come to you with them. You will use our struggles for Your glory, and we praise and thank you for this. We love you, Lord! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Agape, Amber
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Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
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