For years I puzzled over the meaning of these verses in 2 Corinthians 12. They didn’t make sense. How could power be made perfect in weakness? And why would anyone boast about being weak?
Then I had to subject myself to nuclear-bomb strength chemo in order to save my life from aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 46, and these verses became crystal clear. Before cancer, I boasted in my own strength. I was a control freak and fiercely independent. I didn’t “need" anyone’s help.
But when chemo made me helpless as a newborn kitten, I finally realized control was an illusion. I humbly learned that I had no power of my own. I had zero strength and learned to lean fully on God for the first time in my life.
In weakness I finally rested solely in Christ’s power and could honestly “boast” in the grace of God rather than in my own feeble efforts. As a result, my faith grew stronger than it ever would have if I'd remained in my “independent woman” state.
What are you struggling with today? You are not meant to go through this alone. Draw closer to our Lord instead.
In your weakness, lean on God’s holy strength. He won’t let you down. Instead, he will lift you up and may bring people into your situation to help you. If so, thank him, and them.
Father, I thank you for all the times I am weak and helpless so I can be reminded how much I need your strength. Help me never to rely solely on my own meager efforts, but only in your all-sufficient grace. Amen.
Go Deeper — Are you reluctant to ask for help? If so, why? Ask God to help you let go and lean on him. If you wish, fill in the form below to talk with one of our free, confidential, online mentors about your life-challenge and check out our website IssuesIFace.com to read how others have struggled with what you are going through.
Photo Credit: Maria Shanina