"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
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/PeopleImages
Related Resource: The Overachiever's Secret: Healing After Addictions and Bulimia
This powerful episode of the Compared to Who? podcast dives deep into the story of Cheri Garcia, a nationally recognized recovery advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of Cornbread Hustle. Cheri joins Heather Creekmore to share her extraordinary journey through addiction, bulimia, and the relentless pursuit of approval and achievement. If this episode helps you navigate your body image questions in a helpful way, be sure to subscribe to Compared to Who? at Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Wednesday, 13 November 2024.
SHARE
