Exchanging Weakness for Strength
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
I was totally and completely overwhelmed by my circumstances. It felt like everything in my life was spinning out of control. It was as if the storms of chaos were attacking from every side all at once, and I could not find my footing. Both my husband and my daughter were facing significant health issues, our business was facing unprecedented challenges, and my anxiety was at an all-time high. I struggled to sleep. I struggled to eat. Even the most mundane, simple tasks felt immensely burdensome and unmanageable. I was weak in body and spirit.
I prayed repeatedly for the Lord to relieve me of my burdens. Despite my desperate pleas, nothing tangibly changed. It was all completely out of my control. There was nothing I could do to alter my unwelcome dilemmas, and it appeared God wasn’t interested in offering me a way out.
We see a similar example of this from the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian church.
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said, “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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10, NIV).
We aren’t sure what specific ailment Paul considered as the thorn in his flesh, but it is clear that whether it was mental or physical, the apostle wrestled with it and longed for his circumstances to be different. However, God allowed the unwelcome assailant to remain for Paul’s good. It never feels good to suffer pain, disappointment, limitations, illnesses, or injuries. Yet, we live in a fallen world where the consequences of sin rest on all humanity, where mortality is reality, and troubles are guaranteed (John 16:33). While undesirable to our flesh, it is actually through these challenges that we learn a dependence upon the Lord that would not be possible if we always had it all together.
As Paul is weakened in his humanity due to his condition, he gains strength. It is a lasting, supernatural strength that stretches far beyond his human ability to endure the unendurable. Why? It is not Paul’s inner strength that propels him forward; it is Christ in him. What a paradox! To obtain power and strength, we must first become frail. Yet in this place of weakness, we discover not only a resilience we never thought possible, but we are also consumed with immense peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Like Paul, I have experienced the glory of exchanging weakness for strength. Did any of the circumstances I described earlier change to promote this newfound peace? No. Instead, my heart and mind found rest as I trusted Him who gave me strength. It all truly is out of my control, and any attempt I make to try to navigate my way through only results in increased anxiety and fear. Yet, when I lean on His strength, I have the endurance to continue forging forward, rest, and trust in Him. For when I am weak, He is strong.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Do you feel weak or strong today? Is your weakness or strength evident physically or spiritually? Are you someone who longs for control or prides themselves on their strength? How does Paul’s declaration that he understands how God uses his weakness to teach him strength and boasts about his weaknesses alter your perspective? Take some time today to reflect and journal about one or two past or present situations where you have encountered weakness exchanged for strength.
Further Reading:
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Philippians 4:4-9
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Chinnapong
To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter. If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
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