Delight in Weaknesses

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

In this world, and especially in prison, there are predators looking for signs of weakness in potential prey. So, in the natural, we try to hide our weaknesses, often even to ourselves. Therefore, at first glance, today’s verses seem nonsensical.

Whether in the free world or confined, Christians still learn to protect themselves from predatory behavior, and sometimes we need to come together and stand up for one another.

However, in the spiritual realm as we advance in the Kingdom, admitting our weaknesses is crucial. Pride works against us, but we must realize apart from Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5). In humility, recognizing an area of life where we struggle is the first step for inviting the strength of the God to take over by His Holy Spirit.

Realizing “by myself I can do nothing” (John 5:30) is the best place I can be as moldable clay in the Potter’s Hands; or as a surrendered, submitted vessel for God’s use for special purposes (2 Timothy 2:20-21). The more I step back, the more He steps up. I need Him!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell the Father you realize He wants to work in and through you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you have not recognized a need for His strength in your weakness.

Be strong. Acknowledge weakness.

Dive Deeper: Study 2 Corinthians 12; John 15:5; John 5:30; 2 Timothy 2:20-21.