In our society, weakness is seen as a detriment. For example, in job interviews, if asked to describe a weakness we are told to put a spin on it to make it sound like an actual strength. In our world we have to hide our weaknesses under a facade of perfection. From outside appearances we have to make it seem like we are strong, even if on the inside we feel like cowering in a corner. Fear keeps us from showing our weaknesses to the world, fear of what others might think and fear of being judged. God’s Word, on the other hand, tells us that it is okay to acknowledge our weaknesses because God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (II Corinthians 12:9). We can even boast in our weakness because when we are weak, then we are strong (II Corinthians 12:10).
In II Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul describes being given a thorn in the flesh (or as we might say today, a pain in the neck) that he asked God three times to remove from him. However, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9). Paul realized that when he was at his weakest, when his own strength couldn’t take him any further, that’s when the power of Christ kicked in and rested upon him. Paul went on to say that he could take pleasure in the pains and persecutions that came from ministering the Good News because, as he put it, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). I like the way the Amplified Bible says this, “for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”
We all have weaknesses in our lives, things that are a thorn in our flesh. Take courage, God said “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” There are times in our lives when we feel like giving up, like throwing in the towel, like giving in. Take courage, God said “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” We don’t have to live our lives pretending to be strong, pretending we have it all together. God said, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” In the eyes of the world we may feel we have to hide our weaknesses, but in God’s eyes they are seen as an opportunity for us to experience Him, to experience the might of His power. When we turn to God in our weakness, we can rely on His strength to see us through. Allow the power of Christ to rest upon you when you are weak; receive His strength. Let the weak say, I am strong (Joel 3:10).
The Truth in Action: Say the following scriptures out loud, over and over, as long as it takes for them to sink in and take root in your heart. Print them out, put a copy in your wallet or in your purse, and take them with you wherever you go so you have encouragement at your fingertips. Our hope is in Christ, and when we are at our weakest we just need to remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Ephesians 6:10 – [I am] strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Psalm 18:32 – It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.
Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:13-14 – I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 28:7 – The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.
Psalm 29:11 – The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
Psalm 31:24 – Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 68:28 – Your God has commanded your strength; Strengthen, O God, what You have done for us.
Psalm 71:16 – I will go in the strength of the Lord God…
Psalm 84:5 and 84:7 – Blessed is the man whose strength is in You…They go from strength to strength.