The Advantage of Weakness
We are not accustomed to embracing weakness. In our culture, being strong (or appearing strong) is the goal. Additionally, our pride whispers the idea that strength is what matters. Yet in Jesus’ Kingdom we encounter the radical and “contrary to popular belief” concept that God blesses and uses those who are weak and dependent on Him. There is no escaping this truth. Paul said it this way, “… I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” [2 Cor. 12:9-10, NLT].
God will not compete with our pride but He will exploit our weaknesses for His glory and His purposes. Have you ever thought of letting God use your weaknesses? Have you ever considered that the reason God won’t take away that struggle, that temptation, or that difficult person in your life is so His power can “show up” through your weakness without encountering your pride or your sense of self-sufficiency?
Consider a specific struggle you have with “X”. “X” is what bothers you, troubles you, frustrates you. “X” is what you wish God would just remove from your life and then you’d be happier.
Yet “X” remains; “X” lingers; “X” just will not go away.
But in God’s Kingdom, “X” is a gateway for God’s grace, a portal for His power, and a platform for His purpose. “X” is where we are forced to depend on God’s love and look for His provision from the Holy Spirit. So what is “X”? “X” could be a lot of things but consider …
- “X” is singleness and through singleness you learn to be content in Christ and with Christ;
- “X” is an illness that forces you to push past a circumstantial faith and learn to depend on God’s promises and anticipate the new Kingdom;
- “X” is a difficult person that allows you to consider forgiveness and loving your enemies all while learning more about the depth of God’s love for you.
Remember God reduced the size of Gideon’s army before sending them into battle.
Remember the shepherd boy who killed the giant Goliath?
Remember Jesus was arrested, beaten, unjustly accused, and died … all in weakness.
Remember when you discovered you were a sinner—helpless and hopeless apart from God’s grace and mercy? You were weak so He could be your strong Savior!
The rest of your story and mine will be no different. Sometimes God will weaken us; sometimes God will not take away the “thorn” (“X”); and sometimes God will keep asking for us to depend 100% on Him. Each time, remember, that if dependence on God is the objective, weakness is an advantage.
I Peter 5:6
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.