Strength in Weakness

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"And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9


It is easy to get strengths and weaknesses mixed up in our world. Society has a habit of encouraging behaviors that we often deem as wrong. Crying, for example, is seen by many as weakness. Other behaviors often seen as weak include apologizing for harmful actions, refraining from retaliating against those who hurt you, and even seeking treatment for illness. I'm not trying to make a list of items, but just to simply point out that we often mistake strength for weakness.

The Bible gives us some very good insight into this very idea. Paul dealt with some mysterious "thorn in the flesh". To this day no one knows precisely what Paul struggled with, but it was so something so difficult that he asked Jesus to take it from him--three times. Each time Jesus told him "No". (Dare I say that you and I have prayed similar prayers?)  Jesus said "No", but that was not all he said. He went on to tell Paul that His grace was sufficient for Paul. In other words, when Paul was at his weakest, Jesus is at His strongest. Once Paul realized that he was at his strongest when he felt the weakest, it was life-changing for him. He could boast in his weaknesses--no longer fearing them--for he knew that Jesus was working in his behalf. Then, and only then, Jesus would receive the glory. Paul realized that Jesus was enough.

The same is true for us as well. In our weakest moments, when we can do no more and are powerless to change a situation, we are strongest. Whatever you are facing that has you drained and frustrated, you are much-stronger than you realize. Once you tap into the power that comes from Jesus's grace, and soon you will realize just truly how strong you are. Jesus is enough for you.

Be weak my friends!

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