Power in Weakness

In his second letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes about experiencing what he called “a thorn in the flesh.” We don’t know exactly what that was, but most scholars believe that Paul was most likely dealing with some physical ailment. The word Paul uses for torment, means excruciating pain.

Three times, Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove it. But the Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2Corinthians 12:7)

Power out of weakness? Have you ever experienced that?

I think about how in moments of weakness – there is less pride in us, less willfulness, less self to get in the way, and therefore, more room for God’s Spirit to do a new thing. I think about how in moments of weakness, and vulnerability, we develop a deeper sense of compassion for others. We begin to know personally what it’s like…

I think about the way in which God can and does use the broken, the hurting, the heartbroken places of the world to be seedbeds of new life. I think about the people I know who have used their own personal experiences to overcome struggles and who then reach out to help the next person through.

I think about the cross.

Paul’s rivals believed that God’s power was best seen in the claiming of status, accomplishments, and might. But Paul saw it differently. In this same letter, he writes to the Corinthians that he did not come with lofty words of wisdom. He admits that he often found himself in humbling – if not humiliating circumstances. He said he made no credible defense when he was among them. He acknowledges that he took on demeaning work. His opponents labeled him weak in bodily presence. 

And yet, Paul says, it is precisely in this weakness that you can see God’s power. Just look at what God has done through this one broken man. Just look at what God has done through one broken man the cross.

I don’t know where you may be experiencing weakness in your own life. I don’t know what you may be struggling with in your faith, in your ministries, or in your relationships.

But as you continue on this great pilgrimage of faith, may you hear again the Lord’s words to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you…(whatever the outcome,) for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Let us pray: God of Grace, take our weakness, our hurts, our burdens, and heal what you will. Grant us courage and strength. And give us a heart to trust that you are at work even in our brokenness, even now, to make all things new. Amen.