Weakness Is Strength in Disguise
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
What a thought-provoking revelation! The world offers its own version of strength with money, titles, climbing corporate and social ladders, but that is not the kind of strength we need today. When we are weak, He infuses us with His strength.
We are taught from an early age to be independent, fix our own problems and keep going no matter what. But God’s word says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Why is that so difficult to believe?
ME: Jesus, why don’t I feel comfortable when I am experiencing weakness?
JESUS: My precious child, it is because you are greatly off base with your goal. You seem to think that the objective in life is to be stronger. Instead, it is to depend on Me for My power will give you the strength that you desire.
ME: But Jesus, what we hear from the world tells us: read this book, attend that conference, do this or that every day, and say these words. They promise that if we can just follow all these suggestions, we will become strong and confident.
JESUS: But My grace is sufficient for you. Why do you search for something you already possess? You do not have to be strong because I provide that for you. Your weakness is strength in disguise. I am all you need, not some new book or concept of self-improvement that you can purchase on Amazon.
ME: How do I get rid of my weaknesses? They are even part of job interviews today.
JESUS: I know where you fall short. Please understand that maturity means being dependent upon Me. Forget what the world offers. When you get knocked down, is it the world that helps you stand? Hardly! I am the one who gently pulls you to your feet and whispers, “I am here for you.”
ME: That is the truth! Sometimes I forget. Sometimes I just get tired of trying to be tough.
JESUS: Now you are displaying My strength for you. Be honest and embrace My grace. Don’t pay any attention to those who encourage you to hide your weaknesses. They will tell you weaknesses are all your fault. I can and will turn them into a powerful testimony.
ME: Got it!
Loving Lord, thank You for Your mercy, grace, and power. Please blind us to the ways of the world. AMEN.