Strength in Weakness
11/11/2024
“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.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul’s words in this verse reveal a paradox in the Christian life—strength through weakness. Paul was no stranger to hardships. He endured imprisonments, shipwrecks, beatings, and countless challenges for the sake of the gospel. Yet here, he boldly declares that he delights in weakness. Why? Because he understands that true strength does not come from human ability or effort but from God’s power working through us.
In our society, we often associate strength with self-sufficiency, independence, and resilience. But Paul flips this idea on its head. He shows that by surrendering our weakness to God, we invite His strength to flow through us. In our own power, we may feel limited, frustrated, or even defeated. But in our weaknesses, God’s grace shines brightly.
When facing situations where we feel incapable, God is asking us to lean into Him rather than relying solely on ourselves. Perhaps you’re dealing with a challenging relationship, financial strain, or health issues. It’s easy to focus on what we lack and feel discouraged. But Paul’s example invites us to find joy in those moments—not because they’re pleasant, but because they open us up to receive God’s strength in profound ways.
Consider this story: a single parent juggling two jobs to provide for their children, finding themselves exhausted and overwhelmed. Instead of trying to appear strong all the time, they began to pray, asking for God’s strength in their daily struggles. Over time, they experienced God’s provision and peace in ways they could never have anticipated. By admitting their need, they find themselves lifted up by God’s sustaining power.
Lord, help me to find joy in my weaknesses, knowing that they are an opportunity for Your strength to work in me. Remind me that I don’t have to be self-sufficient but can trust in Your power to carry me through any trial. When I feel weak, teach me to lean on You and experience Your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“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.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul’s words in this verse reveal a paradox in the Christian life—strength through weakness. Paul was no stranger to hardships. He endured imprisonments, shipwrecks, beatings, and countless challenges for the sake of the gospel. Yet here, he boldly declares that he delights in weakness. Why? Because he understands that true strength does not come from human ability or effort but from God’s power working through us.
In our society, we often associate strength with self-sufficiency, independence, and resilience. But Paul flips this idea on its head. He shows that by surrendering our weakness to God, we invite His strength to flow through us. In our own power, we may feel limited, frustrated, or even defeated. But in our weaknesses, God’s grace shines brightly.
When facing situations where we feel incapable, God is asking us to lean into Him rather than relying solely on ourselves. Perhaps you’re dealing with a challenging relationship, financial strain, or health issues. It’s easy to focus on what we lack and feel discouraged. But Paul’s example invites us to find joy in those moments—not because they’re pleasant, but because they open us up to receive God’s strength in profound ways.
Consider this story: a single parent juggling two jobs to provide for their children, finding themselves exhausted and overwhelmed. Instead of trying to appear strong all the time, they began to pray, asking for God’s strength in their daily struggles. Over time, they experienced God’s provision and peace in ways they could never have anticipated. By admitting their need, they find themselves lifted up by God’s sustaining power.
Lord, help me to find joy in my weaknesses, knowing that they are an opportunity for Your strength to work in me. Remind me that I don’t have to be self-sufficient but can trust in Your power to carry me through any trial. When I feel weak, teach me to lean on You and experience Your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Embracing the New ThingBe TransformedPleasing God, Not PeopleThe Power of Repentance and BaptismThe Power of Forgiveness and LoveLiving in the LightSharing the Good NewsRecognizing and Worshiping the Son of ManStand Firm, Unmovable, AboundingThe Power of TogethernessResting in God’s RhythmThe Greatness of GodHeld by His HandLoving Beyond LimitsSowing RighteousnessThe Danger of Self-RelianceHeld by His HandProclaiming His Glory to AllHonoring One Another In LoveHidden TreasureTrusting God’s PlansThe Treasure of the KingdomStay Alert and Be PreparedGuarding Against GreedA House DividedYou Are the Light of the WorldEars to HearAll For The OneThe Beginning of WisdomUnashamed of the Gospel
February
Drawing Near with ConfidenceDaily Bread and Daily TrustEvery Good and Perfect GiftA Call to BlessingWalking by the SpiritStrength in the Lord’s RewardThe Power of Your WordsLiving in the Grace of GodOvercoming Evil with GoodPerfect Peace in an Imperfect WorldFrom Death to LifeOvercoming Evil with GoodResting in God’s WorkA Friend Who Loves at All TimesThe Lord Delights Over YouGo Into All the WorldImitating What Is GoodStrength in WeaknessBe Still and KnowTake Heart in Troubled TimesGuarded by God’s PeacePursuing PeacePeace That Cannot Be ShakenLiving Out the Law of LoveBlessing the Poor, Honoring the LordSinging of God’s Strength and LoveWorthy, Worthy, WorthyA Vision of Heaven’s Multitude
March
Go and Make DisciplesBe Strong and CourageousChoosing the Path of LifeUnchanging in a Changing WorldRedeemed by GraceWalking in Step with the SpiritPutting Faith into PracticeGo and Tell the Good NewsDwelling in the Shelter of the Most HighBehold, the Lamb of GodTo Live is Christ, To Die is GainSwallowed by GraceFor Such a Time as ThisSeeking Wisdom from GodBe MercifulA Heart That Seeks GodExtending Mercy to the DoubtfulThe Word Was GodThe Knock at Your Heart’s DoorThe Sacrifice That Pleases GodSharpening Souls TogetherMade for RestA Way OutApproved and UnashamedAll InClothed with CompassionLove That CoversRoots That Never Run DryRemain in MeThe Great ExchangeGod at Work Within You
No Comments